Date:20/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112059580300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Meet on ill effects of alcohol held for police

Special Correspondent

MADURAI: Drunken driving may not only end up in fatal accidents but also leave the dependents (family members) in the lurch, warned Commissioner of Police K. Nandabalan here on Wednesday.

Speaking at an awareness meeting for police personnel on the “ill effects of alcohol,” he said that the police should educate the public on the disastrous consequences of consumption of alcohol.

Campaigns with the assistance of social workers would also help in bringing addicts out of the habit, he suggested.

There was every possibility that alcoholics might be trapped in debts, which resulted in domestic quarrels. This would affect the society in due course, Mr. Nandabalan said and appealed to policemen to give more thrust in educating and counselling the public.

Psychologist Ravichandran from M. S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Centre spoke on de-addiction programmes and explained the procedures in handling addicts. He gave a few examples of the sufferings of families, where the head was an alcoholic.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Thondiraj, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police Jayakumar and S. Baskaran spoke. About 150 police personnel including ACPs and Inspectors of Police from Madurai city and Armed Reserve attended the programme. They also interacted with a team of experts.