Mangaluru, (The Hindu): Alleging that some of the Congress leaders are supporting drug mafia in Dakshina Kannada, Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, said here on Friday that narcotic menace is spreading to rural areas in the district. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kateel claimed that ganja was found with 10 school students in Savanur village in Puttur taluk recently. It indicated its percolation from the city to mofussil areas.

He said the Congress-led government has failed to control the narcotic mafia in the city and its outskirts. Ganja was being sold near schools and colleges.

Police have also failed to curb its menace as there are allegations that drug was also being supplied to the inmates in Mangaluru jail.

The MP questioned why the government and police have not taken it seriously as many students are becoming victims to it.

Mr. Kateel alleged that goonda activities have increased in the district in recent days. Referring to the recent murder of two persons, one at Farangipet and another near Ullal, the MP said that there are allegations that drug mafia and goonda activities are related. He claimed that police have not been able to curb the narcotic mafia as Congress leaders protected it. Police have also failed to form a separate squad to check its menace.

Referring to the alleged murder of Zubair (45) at Mukkachery near Ullal on October 4, the MP said that if police failed to crack the case its investigation should be handed over to the National Investigation Agency.