Student Arrests Jump from 36 to 228 in Two Years, Says BJP Leader

Senior BJP legislator R. Ashok presented a timeline of student‑related drug arrests that, according to him, underscores a dramatic escalation under the current Congress administration.

The figures cited show 36 arrests in 2024, an increase to 59 the following year, and a sharp rise to 228 by July 2026, with Bengaluru accounting for 177 of those cases. The total count of narcotics‑related apprehensions is reported to have crossed 189.

Ashok urged the government to form a special task force under an experienced police chief to combat the narcotics trade, and suggested that Minister Kharge should step down if he cannot regain control of the situation.