PRESS RELEASE

In the event of the tragic incident which occurred on 29/03/2019, All India Drugs
Control Officers Confederation (AIDCOC) strongly condemns the cold blooded murder of
the Drugs Control Officer Smt.Neha Shoree who was the Zonal Licensing Authority at
Mohali, Punjab. Smt.Neha Shoree was a bold and dedicated officer who lost her life while
discharging her official duty. AIDCOC has called for a nationwide mourning in this regard
along with its various affiliated state associations soon after receiving the tragic news. We
strongly demand the Government for a speedy probe in the case and to punish the culprits and
masterminds involved. This is the situation in many of the Drugs Control Offices across the
country where we lack enough security and protection while discharging official duties. Since
the nature of work of drugs control officials also involves raids and investigations against
illegal drug mafias and criminals, many of the states do not have enough manpower and
machinery to tackle such unscrupulous elements in the society. The most alarming situation is
that the number of cases involving spurious drugs, illegal transit and sale of habit forming
drugs and intoxicants in the pharmaceutical business is gradually on the rise. It is really a
challenging task for Drugs Control Departments to monitor such activities. Now most of the
Drugs Control Departments have increased strength of women officials also, with more than
30 percent of total strength across the country and the government should initiate steps to
provide a safe working environment to all officers in the current scenario. In this context,
AIDCOC urges both the Central and State Government’s intervention immediately to equip
each Drugs Control Departments with enough resources and infrastructure for facing such
unexpected incidents. As a mark of respect and solidarity to the brave deceased officer,
AIDCOC has directed to all members of its affiliated State Associations to wear black
ribbons on 30/03/2019 and 01/04/2019 and also to observe two minutes silent prayer in all of
the offices across the country to pray for the departed soul.

(Ravi Uday Bhaskar)

Secretary General