333
by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a pre-
meditated act of violence or other crime.
57. Ganja is sometimes eaten or drunk when
bhang is available.
58. I am strongly under the impression that
when the Government introduced the system of
excise administration the main object it had in view
was to check the consumption of the drugs from
the hemp plant as far as possible. But on consi-
deration of gradually increasing number of consum-
ers I cannot but say that the object aimed at is
not likely to be accomplished by the working of the
present system. The system is capable of improve-
ment.
59. To improve the system such measures may
be taken as would without fail check gradually the
use of the drugs or prohibit at once the use ex-
cept on medical purposes. Under the present sys-
tem any number of maunds of the drug can be im-
ported to meet the demands of the public, and be-
sides that any number of acres can be brought
under the cultivation of the hemp plant for the
same object. In case the use is gradually and cer-
tainly to be checked, the number of shops is to be
reduced every year and the restrictions in regard to
the fixing of such a number of acres to be brought
under cultivation of the hemp plant and of such a
number of maunds of the drugs to be imported as
would suit our purpose under the circumstances, are
indispensably to be brought into force. In case
the Government thinks the use is to be prohibited
except on medical purposes, it is well and good.
62. Vide my answer to question 59.
63. I have no objection to the present system of
a wholesale or retail vend of ganja and bhang or
preparations of them.
64, Vide my answer to question 59.
69. The wishes of the people are not consulted
or considered in any way before a shop is opened in
any locality. The number of shops is increased or
decreased on consultation of contractors, i.e., in-
directly the wishes of consumers are consulted and
considered. Local public opinion is to be taken
into account before opening any shop.
15. .Evidence of COLONEL C. T. LANE, Inspector General of Police, Amraoti.
51. I do not believe that any large proportion of
criminals are moderate consumers of hemp drugs.
Nor do I think that moderate use has any connec-
tion with crime.
52 and 53. Answering questions 52 and 53 to-
gether, I would say that I believe the excessive use
of these drugs does tend to excite a violent disposi-
tion, which may culminate in temporary homicidal
mania.
A prisoner in the Akola Jail, who before con-
viction for murder had been in the habit of taking
bhang, was found after conviction to become
violent
—
1st —when he surreptitiously got hold of this
drug ;
2nd —when, after thus indulging in it, the
fact was discovered and he was de-
prived of it. He assaulted the Super-
intendent when under this excitement.
54. I have no personal knowledge that this is
the case.
55. I have never in my experience heard of a
case where bhang, charas or ganja was used to
stupefy for the purpose of robbery ; and I cannot
say whether complete stupefaction can be produced
by any of them.
16. Evidence of MR. H. A. HEATH, District Superintendent of Police, Wun.
51. Certainly not. None whatever.
52. Persons who make and drink ganja, bhang
and madak to excess are, in my opinion, incapable
of doing any mischief. They are most miserable
specimens of humanity, those I have seen.
53. No ; not to those accustomed to the use of
these drugs. No ; I have not personally seen any
case of the sort.
54. I think not. Criminals committing violent
crime, dacoities and robberies generally fortify
themselves with country liquor. This stuff gives
them Dutch courage, while the drugs soothe them
only.
55. Yes ; only occasionally such cases are heard
of ; but those that come before me personally, the
drug used was always dhatura.
Yes; certainly complete stupefaction can be
induced.
17. Evidence of MR. N. R. CUMBERLEGE, District Superintendent of Police,
Amraoti
51. I should say a fair proportion would be
found. And I would instance Mænas, Bhudducks,
and others of the Bowri class, inclusive of Sansis
and Hurbuahs, many Garorees, most Afghans and
Purbeahs, coming to Berar as moderate habitual
consumers, with all the class of Muhammadan fakir
coiners, and very many of the Deccan Musalmans
also, the want of it being felt when not obtainable
by all such consumers. And I should consider
that even a moderate use of these drugs would have
a demoralizing effect, would conduce to an immoral
predisposition, pervert the working of the brain into
unexpected channels, and render also a callous feel-
ing of indifference to consequences arising through
any personal action.
52. I consider it has been shown unmistakably
that these drugs inflame the passions and operate
detrimentally on the brains; that they do not of
necessity cause the same effect in any two persons ;
and this may be attributable in part to the consti-
tutional condition of the person affected, as also in
part to the dose then taken, which would also
necessitate a consideration of the quantity taken
within the few hours previous, or the habitual
usual dose taken once a day or oftener.
53. Excessive indulgence does incite to un-