94
REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94.
[APP.
Report of the Superintendent, Bareilly Asylum, on the Hemp Drug cases of 1892.
No. 1.—Nathu, Hindu.—The
history shows Nathu began using charas after he be-
came insane.
The evidence is to the effect that "he was never seen to take any such things before
he became an insane; but subsequently, when he lost his senses, he used to haunt about
the shops of charas and wine; and people had seen him sometimes taking charas."
No. 2.—Fakeray, Hindu.—We have gone into this case very carefully and examined
not only the man himself, but also his mother and two of his friends who were with him
when he became insane. All the witnesses deny that he ever used charas, and in the face
of such strong evidence I think the case should be expunged from the hemp drugs list.
His symptoms on admission were such as might have been brought about by the use of
intoxicants, and charas-smoking was the cause given in his papers. These documents are
however, very carelessly filled, and it seems probable that a mistake was made in this
instance.
No. 3.—Moti, Hindu.—The evidence in this case is now very clear and throws ad-
ditional light on the cause of his insanity. It appears that he was the adopted son of one
Makan Singh, to whom he was "much attached." The latter was a charas-smoker, and
Moti contracted the habit as a boy. He enjoyed good health until the time of his adopted
father's death, a few days after which he became insane. The immediate cause of insanity
was therefore grief. Whether the shock above referred to would have had this effect had
he not been a charas-smoker it is impossible to say. He became quite sane after his ad-
mission to the asylum in June 1891 and was discharged cured. On going out, however, he
at once took to charas and was re-admitted in April 1892. He is still an inmate of the
Asylum, and although fairly well I have little doubt that if discharged he would soon be
brought back. In view of the additional facts brought to light, I should describe the case
as one of acute mania due to grief. I am, however, of opinion that charas-smoking was a
predisposing cause.
No. 4.—Jamna, Hindu.—The
thanadar, Philkhua police station, reports "that
Jamna left his home about 22 years ago, and that during this period he visited his house
once only about twelve years ago. Since then he was living with his brother in Mussoorrie
Hills, and there he got insane and was sent to Bareilly Lunatic Asylum, where he died.
The villagers can give no further information about his illness, as he was absent from his
home about 22 years."
No. 5.—Dariao Singh.—Was admitted to the asylum in a miserable state of health
on 12th September 1892. Further investigation shows that there is a history of hereditary
insanity, and although there is evidence of his having taken charas and bhang, his illness
cannot be said to be due to the use of these drugs. He died about three weeks after ad-
mission from ozœna and general debility.
Post-mortem examination.—Body thin and emaciated: three holes in upper part of
nose: soft palate perforated, and mucous membrane lining the nose ulcerated.
Internal organs generally anæmic.
The further inquiry showed that "Puland Singh, father of Dariao Singh, had also been
a lunatic, and that Punai Singh and Buddhi Singh, sons of the said Dariao Singh, are lu-
natics as well." The evidence as to the use of drugs by Dariao Singh was conflicting.
The following passage from the Tahsildar's report is interesting:—"Dariao Singh's
insanity is considered hereditary, merely on the ground that the disease is passing down
his family from one member to another. This conclusion may perhaps be regarded as con-
tradictory with reference to the European system of medical jurisprudence. But besides
those mentioned above no other particular cause of insanity has been found in the above
named village."