512
influence, it will be next to impossibility to com-
mit a crime without detection. Therefore the bad
characters of true cunning type use the drug
moderately and induce the followers to use
sparingly before the commission of crime. But
invariably the bad characters are addicted to in-
toxicating drugs to abandon the remorse of con-
science, and to give desperation to their will.
53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs
may sometimes incite to crime not thought of.
I
have known friends coming to blows under its
influence. I have not had instances of homicidal
frenzy, but I have seen persons thrown into utter
despondency and evading society.
54. Yes; generally the criminals use the drug
to fortify themselves for commission of vice as
said above, and to suppress all compunction they
may feel on account of inborn conscience.
55. Criminals to further their designs induce
their victims to take these drugs in such quantity
as to produce stupefacation. Large quantity of
these drugs will produce the desired effect, but
admixture will quicken the action. I need not
go far to give an instance of such type of crimi-
nals. Case of Tarkeshwar mohanta is a living
illustration.
56. Use of hemp in moderate degree is not
very serious, but the excessive indulgence of it or
compound admixture of it for the purpose of in-
creasing the intoxication is very injurious to
health. Dhatura is more mixed for administra-
tion to others than for personal use.
57. I am told when ganja is drunk, the effect
is more active and immediate than when smoked.
58. As it is, it is working well in suppressing
smuggling and increasing excise revenue.
59. I have no idea of it.
60. It is not produced in this district,
and I
have no experience of ganja cultivation.
61. Charas is not produced in this district.
62. While there is separate plant called bhang
grown in this district, production and cultivation
of hemp for making bhang is not necessary
here.
63. I have no objection in the present system
of excise working, and therefore cannot suggest
any improvement.
64. I have no objection on the present proce-
dure of importation, exportation and transport of
hemp drugs.
65. I have no idea of it; if increase of taxation
could decrease the use of intoxicating drugs I
would recommend increase of taxation, or I would
suggest abolition of all taxes on all intoxicating
drugs with stringent prohibitory law to suppress
the use of the said drugs.
66. I don't see any reason to make different
rates of taxation on different sorts of ganja while
the properties are same.
67. I have no objection of the present method
of taxing.
68. In my opinion licensed houses or shops
vending the drugs should be few and far be-
tween.
69. I am informed the wishes of the people are
consulted and considered before the license is
granted to any locality. Excise officers make
enquiries. Public opinion ought to be considered.
70. I have not come across any facts of im-
porting or smuggling the drugs from any Native
States to this place. The duty is regularly paid.
and there is no untaxed drug as far as my
knowledge of it goes.
241. Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail
vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal.
1. As a wholesale and retail vendor of ganja
and bhang at Barisal.
2. Yes; flat ganja is called "chapti".
Round is called "gol".
Broken is called "chur".
Bhang and siddhi are equivalent terms. Charas
is not consumed in this district.
3. Ganja is cultivated at Rajshahi.
Bhang is brought from Calcutta. The source
of supply is not known to me, most probably
from Monghyr and Bhagalpur.
4. Ganja is known as ganja, and bhang or
siddhi as such.
5 and 6. Not known to me.
7. Yes; (a) at Rajshahi for ganja.
(b) Charas not known to me.
(c) Bhang probably in Behar.
(d) Not known to me.
Extent not known to me.
8. Not known to me.
9. Ganja-planting is commenced in Kartik
corresponding to November, and the crop is
gathered in Mag and Falgun, i.e., in January
and February. It is cultivated on selected soil
of raised level. The land is thoroughly ploughed
and earth beaten down to dust.
10. No, They are ordinary agriculturists.
11. Never.
12. Not known to me, but the male plant, i.e.,
of bhang, is extirpated to ensure the prolific
growth of the female plant, i.e., of ganja.
13. Yes; at Rajshahi and some neighbouring
portions of Bogra and Dinajpur. Possibly under
Government orders. Not common to all districts.
Not known to me.
14. Yes, except charas.
(a) Ganja at Rajshahi.
(b) Charas not known to me.
(c) Bhang in Behar.
Extent not known.
15. (a) Ganja is smoked with huka and
chillums.
(c) Bhang is drunk by pounding it with water
or milk and sugar, and in some cases with spices
and scents.
16. Bhang is prepared for home consumption.
Bhang can be prepared from wild hemp of spon-
taneous growth. Ganja and charas cannot be
prepared from the wild plant.
17. Generally by Hindus. Rarely by Muham-
madans.
18. Deteriorates by keeping, but is not totally