Kalaburagi police officers launching the ‘Beda Bro’ and ‘Operation RISE’ anti-drug awareness campaigns by releasing posters at the City Police Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi on Monday.
\| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

The Kalaburagi City and the district police on Monday launched the “Beda Bro” and “Operation RISE” anti-drug awareness campaigns to strengthen efforts against drug use, trafficking and sale of narcotic substances across the district.

The campaign was inaugurated at the City Police Commissioner’s office with the release of campaign posters by Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa, Deputy Commissioners of Police Shalu and Praveen Nayak, and Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasulu, here on Monday.

The initiative follows the State-level launch of “Operation RISE” by the Chief Minister and the Home Minister during the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 30. As part of the drive, the Kalaburagi police have rolled out the twin campaigns to promote a drug-free society and encourage public participation in preventing narcotics-related crimes.

Addressing presspersons, Dr. Sharanappa and Mr. Srinivasulu said drug use continues to have serious consequences on mental health, family relationships, academic performance, professional careers and overall social well-being. They noted that several lives have been lost due to drug addiction, making public awareness and community involvement critical in tackling the menace.

The “No Bro” campaign aims to discourage young people from experimenting with drugs due to peer pressure, academic stress, relationship issues or other personal challenges. The campaign encourages individuals to reject drug use and seek healthier alternatives.

Police officials also urged citizens to report information related to the sale, possession or trafficking of narcotics, as well as other unlawful activities, through the KSP App or by scanning the designated QR code. Officials promised that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

The “Operation RISE” campaign focuses on encouraging people to refuse drugs, report drug-related activities, support those affected by addiction and empower communities to combat the problem collectively, Dr. Sharanappa added.

The police officials said that as part of the initiative, anti-drug committees will be constituted in educational institutions. These committees will comprise principals, physical education teachers, student representatives and local beat police personnel, who will work together to identify concerns, conduct awareness programmes and prevent drug abuse among students.

Published - July 20, 2026 11:12 pm IST