The residents of Cortalim constituency are alarmed after the recent deaths at BITS Pilani were linked to substance abuse. Medical examinations revealed that Rishi Nair, one of the deceased, had Zolpidem (ZOLP), Methamphetamine (MAMP), and MDMA in his system, highlighting the dangerous extent of drug use among youth.
Community leaders, including Olencio Simoes, expressed deep concern over the findings, calling it a “grave indictment” of the growing drug culture in Cortalim. The presence of multiple potent narcotics in a young student’s system points to a larger, systemic problem that requires urgent attention from authorities, parents, and educational institutions.
Residents are urging local authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen enforcement, and provide rehabilitation programs for young people. Schools and colleges in the constituency are being called upon to educate students about the risks of substance abuse and monitor at-risk individuals more closely.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on the need for stronger preventive measures and community engagement to tackle the rising menace of drugs in Cortalim, which threatens both youth safety and public health.