A large-scale drug screening drive conducted by Bengaluru police in colleges and hostels has triggered debate over privacy and legality after more than 1,200 students were asked to provide urine samples during inspections.
The operation, carried out on March 4, was part of the Karnataka Police’s Sanmitra initiative, a programme aimed at preventing drug use among youth and supporting those who may require rehabilitation.
Screening conducted in colleges and hostels
According to police officials, inspections were conducted in six educational institutions and two hostels located in the Vijayanagara sub-division.
The drive was overseen by Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Yatheesh N, with assistance from officers of local police stations.
Medical teams from several nearby hospitals—including Punya Hospital, Padmadevayya Hospital, KADE Hospital, Sharavathi Hospital, Sri Lakshmi Multi-Speciality Hospital and Kangaroo Care Hospital—also participated in the exercise.
Authorities said urine samples were collected from more than 1,200 students, of which 585 were randomly tested.
31 students test positive
Police said 31 samples tested positive during the screening process.
Officials clarified that the purpose of the exercise was not to initiate criminal action against the students but to identify individuals who may require support.
Counselling sessions with mental health professionals and medical assistance will be arranged for those who need help.
Under the Sanmitra programme, police also plan to assign personnel to guide and support young people dealing with substance abuse.
Questions raised over legality
Despite the stated objective of prevention and rehabilitation, the drive has drawn criticism from legal experts who question whether such random drug testing is legally permissible.
Bengaluru-based lawyer Rahul Machaiah said that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act does not recognise random drug testing by police without the consent of individuals.
He also noted that under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), medical examination is generally permitted only after a person has been arrested in connection with a crime.
Machaiah further pointed to the KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India judgment, in which the Supreme Court recognised the right to privacy as a fundamental right, including bodily privacy.
Police focus on drug suppliers
Responding to the concerns, DCP West Yatheesh said the initiative was conducted with permission from the management of the institutions involved.
He also clarified that no criminal cases will be registered against the students who tested positive.
Instead, authorities aim to use the information to identify and take action against drug suppliers and peddlers operating around educational institutions.
“Our focus is to counsel the students and trace the supply chain of drugs,” the officer said.
The incident has sparked wider discussions about balancing preventive policing with legal safeguards and privacy rights in efforts to tackle drug use among youth.