Opening Quotes.
'Officially sponsored myth 10 - "There is a connection between addiction and crime. Marijuana, especially, is supposed to cause people to commit crimes." There is no direct connection between crime and drug intoxication that I have ever seen or heard of. The people who talk about drugs causing crime never seem to follow through and take into account the vast number of crimes committed by drunks. Alcohol is a crime-producing drug that outclasses all others. Of course, a lot of junkies [opioid addicts] steal to keep up their habit. It isn't easy to get up $10-15 per day, which is what the addict has to pay out for a day's supply of junk [opioids] in the US.' - William S Burroughs, Junk, 1953
'On the basis of data from 17 countries, it is estimated that 37 per cent of homicide perpetrators were under the influence of a psychoactive substance when committing the homicide, and the vast majority tended to be under the influence of alcohol. This finding coincides with a meta-analysis of 23 independent studies, which found that on average 37 per cent of homicide offenders were under the influence of alcohol when they committed the offence. - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020
'In respect to his relations with society, however, even the excessive consumer of hemp drugs is ordinarily inoffensive. His excesses may indeed bring him to degraded poverty which may lead him to dishonest practices; and occasionally, but apparently very rarely indeed, excessive indulgence in hemp drugs may lead to violent crime. But for all practical purposes it may be laid down that there is little or no connection between the use of hemp drugs and crime.' - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, 1894-95
'On the basis of data from 17 countries, it is estimated that 37 per cent of homicide perpetrators were under the influence of a psychoactive substance when committing the homicide, and the vast majority tended to be under the influence of alcohol. This finding coincides with a meta-analysis of 23 independent studies, which found that on average 37 per cent of homicide offenders were under the influence of alcohol when they committed the offence. - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020
'In respect to his relations with society, however, even the excessive consumer of hemp drugs is ordinarily inoffensive. His excesses may indeed bring him to degraded poverty which may lead him to dishonest practices; and occasionally, but apparently very rarely indeed, excessive indulgence in hemp drugs may lead to violent crime. But for all practical purposes it may be laid down that there is little or no connection between the use of hemp drugs and crime.' - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, 1894-95
Questions on the subject by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1895
43. Are moderate consumers inoffensive to their neighbours?
51. (a) Are any large proportion of bad characters habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs? (b) What connection, if any, has the moderate use with crime in general or with crime of any special character?
52. Discuss the same question in regard to the excessive use of any of these drugs
53. Does excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise? Do you know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy?
54. Are these drugs used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime?
55. (a) Do criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs and so stupefy themselves? (b) Can complete stupefaction be thus induced by this drug without admixture.
My thoughts on the subject
The connection of cannabis with crime was examined in detail by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895 through the evidence collected in response to the six questions listed at the beginning of this article.
A look at the questions and the responses from witnesses.
Let us study each of these questions and the responses a little more closely.
The first question in this regard is - "43. Are moderate consumers inoffensive to their neighbours?" In response to this question we find that an overwhelming majority of respondents state that moderate cannabis users are inoffensive to their neighbours. Many state that cannabis makes a person timid and hence peaceful. Some witnesses state that ganja or charas users are offensive while bhang users are not, possibly influenced by the perception that the elites consumed bhang while the lower classes consumed ganja or charas, showing their ignorance that bhang, charas and ganja are the same plant containing the same compounds. Some witnesses state that excessive use makes a person garrulous, irritable and likely to take offense easily. When we consider that most cannabis users in the 19th century were moderate users, with excessive users estimated to be in the range of 5-10% of all users, we can conclude that by and large cannabis usage was peaceful and inoffensive. When we further consider that a large number of so-called excessive users were religious mendicants, who by their nature were peaceful and wanted nothing to do with violence and crime, the fact that cannabis usage was essentially inoffensive and peaceful is further confirmed. Then there are a few witnesses who state that it is not the behaviour of the cannabis smoker that is offensive, but the smell of cannabis smoke. Now this is a purely subjective reaction, as there are any number of persons who are offended by a wide variety of smells - ranging from the smell of dry fish, tobacco, meat, alcohol, or anything that is considered outside the offended person's culture - that to call the smell of cannabis smoke offensive is not just absurd but outright discriminatory. Considering that, in the US, people have been shot dead by law enforcement purely on the basis of the smell of cannabis, one can safely say that it is the cannabis smoker who is likely to become the offended, offended to death, due to intolerance or insanity in his neighbour. One must consider how the personal habits of someone, especially what he or she eats, drinks, smokes or wears can offend another person. These actions lie fully within the rights to freedom and liberty of the person performing the action. The cannabis culture in India existed for thousands of years, being practiced by the indigenous communities and the early inhabitants of India, as is evidenced from the widespread usage across the length and breadth of the country. For the later migrants to India, coming in from Central Asia and Europe, with their religions, businesses and rulers, and then establishing themselves as the ruling and upper classes and castes of India society, to consider the habits of the Indian natives as offensive is not only laughable, but purely discriminatory. It is the cannabis smoker who should be offended when a neighbour with a superiority complex moves in and tells him or her to change a good habit that has long been practiced, and to adopt the bigoted practices of the newcomer. Who is offensive in this case - the cannabis smoker - consuming cannabis for his medical, spiritual and intoxication needs - or the new neighbour who wants him to stop doing this just because it does not resonate with the customs of the newcomer who has chosen to live next door?
The next two questions on the subject are - "51. (a) Are any large proportion of bad characters habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs? (b) What connection, if any, has the moderate use with crime in general or with crime of any special character?" and "52. Discuss the same question in regard to the excessive use of any of these drugs." The question 51 brings in a term called 'bad character' without any definition of what this entails, leaving the interpretation to be purely subjective. This question 51 is another example of a leading question by the Hemp Commission to label cannabis users as bad characters. Anybody who does not comply with one's own rules of society, morality or ethics is likely to be labelled a 'bad character'. If I laugh at you, you will probably label me a bad character. If I have matted hair and look at you with a steady gaze, instead of lowering my gaze as your ego demands, you will then label me a bad character. If I prefer to spend my time more wisely in the appreciation and love of nature rather than working for you to enable you to get rich, you will label me a bad character. Large numbers of witnesses, who all belong to the ruling and upper classes, state that cannabis usage is commonly prevalent among bad characters. These are the same persons who earlier, in response to question 43 stated that moderate cannabis users are inoffensive to their neighbours. For a fact, it was predominantly the working and labouring classes, the poorest sections of society, and the religious mendicants who were cannabis users. To the ruling and upper classes, it was probably easy to label these sections of society that they looked down upon as 'bad characters'. To connect them with crime was then an easy next step, enabling the upper classes to bring the law enforcement that worked diligently for them to bear down upon the other sections of society, especially on those who refused to acknowledge their 'upper-classness'. Despite this attempts at labeling ganja consumers as 'bad characters', we find that an overwhelming number of respondents state that even though there is an association between cannabis and so-called 'bad characters', there is no connection between cannabis and crime. This is most importantly stated by numerous magistrates and senior police officers, who can be considered experts, best qualified to comment on this subject. In response to question 52, another leading question, there appears to be a tendency to associate excessive usage with crime, even when there is no definition of what constitutes excessive usage, when estimates said that only around 5% of all cannabis users were excessive users, and when most excessive users were said to be religious mendicants.
Question 53 asks - "Does excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise? Do you know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy?" This question leads on from question 52. There are a large number of witnesses who respond in the affirmative that yes, excess usage leads to unpremeditated crime, especially violent crime and homicidal frenzy. When one examines the overall evidence that is provided in this regard, we see the gross error in these responses. At the time when these questions were posed to the witnesses by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission in 1894, the myth that cannabis causes insanity had been well and truly propagated through out Indian society, and the belief in the myth was truly widespread, especially among the ruling and upper classes. Lunatic asylum statistics were frequently published from 1850 onward when the British started their serious attempts at regulating and prohibiting ganja, and medical experts, magistrates and senior police officers regularly quoted these asylum statistics to support the theory that excess cannabis usage led a person to insanity, especially the kind of insanity that resulted in violent crimes and temporary homicidal frenzies. When the evidence in this regard was studied closely by the Hemp Commission, it was found that most cases where cannabis had been linked to homicidal frenzy and insanity were falsely reported, primarily by junior police officers who were not qualified to make a judgement, in order to make their own work easy when presenting an arrested person before a magistrate. In some cases, offenders were found to blame cannabis for their violent crimes, citing cannabis induced insanity in order to escape harsh punishment. A sane criminal seeking financial gain, if one can ever consider financial gain through unscrupulous means as sanity in the first place, will do all he or she can to avoid violence and homicide. It is only when the victim resists, if there is a victim present at the scene of the crime, that the criminal is forced to resort to violence, out of desperation as a last resort. In the case of the insane criminal, who commits violence and homicidal frenzies, it is often not a desire for financial gains but a desire to inflict pain and death, driven by feelings such as rage and jealousy, or a pathological desire.
In response to the questions - "54. Are these drugs used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime?" and "55. (a) Do criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs and so stupefy themselves? (b) Can complete stupefaction be thus induced by this drug without admixture?" we find that the usage of cannabis to fortify criminals before the act was about as common as the usage of alcohol to fortify criminals. With regard to whether cannabis was used to stupefy victims in order to rob them, it was found from the evidence that cannabis by itself was not sufficient to stupefy a victim, unless the victim was a first time user, or unless other admixtures - such as dathura or opium - were added, or unless large quantities of ganja was used. The questions 54 and 55 themselves present a paradox. How can the same substance be used to fortify one person - the criminal - and stupefy another person - the victim. If it is the regular use of cannabis versus the first time use that enables such a wide result among different persons, then one can argue that a whole range of other legally available substances - such as alcohol, dathura, opioids, chilli powder, etc - can produce this effect. Cannabis, by itself appears to be one of the least likely to cause complete stupefaction in the victim, catching him or her unawares, give the distinct taste and smell that it possesses as already cited by numerous witnesses, and the need to administer large quantities to achieve the desired result. As examples, we can see the statements of two persons who were likely to know more about the effects than the members of the elite classes who had almost no personal experience with cannabis. Ahrumol Pritamdas, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi, states that - "Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by any of these drugs." Similarly, Manghanmal Aumal, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi states that "Complete stupefaction is not produced by any of these drugs."
To most persons from the ruling and upper classes who responded to the Hemp Commission the knowledge of cannabis usage was limited almost entirely to hearsay, with their limited knowledge gleaned from the people who worked for them such as the syces, gardeners, boatmen, and domestic servants. Having had no direct personal experience of cannabis, why for that matter, having been almost unaware of the extent of the cannabis culture in India up to this point, to these ignorant members of the ruling and upper classes, any public display of violence, garrulousness, etc. was most likely to be attributed to cannabis, especially ganja or charas, given the propaganda that had been going around since 1850, for 40 years or so. The evils of alcohol and opium were yet to enter the experiential knowledge of the ruling and upper classes, these drugs having been promoted only relatively recently by the colonists as safe and preferable to cannabis.
Alcohol, the real perpetrator of violent crime and homicidal frenzy.
All these questions directed at linking ganja use with crime, violence and homicidal frenzy by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission appear to have been formulated on the basis of the experience with alcohol in Europe, and an attempt to equate cannabis with alcohol, or show it as much worse. The possible unstated motive of the colonists and their supporters in India appears to have been to establish alcohol, tobacco and opium use - drugs that the ruling and upper classes preferred, drugs that could be regulated far better by the State, drugs that meant a much greater revenue for the State - by displacing cannabis, which was almost free of cost till 1850 and widely used by the majority of the Indian population, especially the working and labouring classes and the poorest sections of society. Today alcohol, tobacco and opioids are legal and widely used by large numbers of Indians, earning massive revenue for the state. If any substance is involved in crimes of violence and homicidal frenzy, then that substance is alcohol, the legal drug widely available through out the world today, the drug marketed by the ruling and upper classes as the safe and worthy substitute for cannabis as an intoxicant. The UNODC World Drug Report of 2020 states that - 'On the basis of data from 17 countries, it is estimated that 37 per cent of homicide perpetrators were under the influence of a psychoactive substance when committing the homicide, and the vast majority tended to be under the influence of alcohol. This finding coincides with a meta-analysis of 23 independent studies, which found that on average 37 per cent of homicide offenders were under the influence of alcohol when they committed the offence.' This statement by UNODC says two things - 1) 63 per cent of homicide perpetrators were not under the influence of any psychoactive substance, which means that they were driven by other factors such as rage, jealousy, insanity, stress or desperation. This throws out of the window the common perception and myth that intoxicants are the main factor responsible for homicidal frenzies and violent crime. 2) Out of the 37 per cent who were under the influence of a psychoactive substance, alcohol was found to be the substance that was overwhelmingly present, reinforcing the statements of numerous expert witnesses to the Hemp Commission who stated that the involvement that cannabis may have on violent crime and homicidal frenzies is likely to be much lesser than that of alcohol, a drug which was already proven in the 19th century to be a key contributor to violence, homicidal frenzies and insanity, especially in Europe where it was predominantly used and from where it arrived into the Indian sub-continent to displace cannabis. If any intoxicant needed to be curbed to prevent violent crime and homicidal frenzy, it was alcohol and not cannabis.
The need to maintain the myth that cannabis was connected with crime.
The two most common cannabis myths perpetrated in society are that cannabis causes crime and cannabis causes insanity, myths perpetrated by the ruling classes, including law enforcement and the medical community. Underlying both these myths is the rigid caste and class based discrimination in society, which views cannabis as the intoxicant of the lower classes and castes, and the lower castes and classes as essentially criminal. In the case of premeditated crimes, for law enforcement, the presence of cannabis on a crime suspect is considered overwhelming and conclusive proof that the suspect committed the crime, thus making it unnecessary for them to search for any substantial evidence. In the case of crimes of passion, the linkage of cannabis to the suspected offender tilts the balance against him or her, with the foremost argument being that the suspect was driven to insanity by cannabis to commit the crime, even if the suspect had a history of mental health issues or of taking other substances, or if there is sufficient evidence to show that he or she was sufficiently provoked to commit the crime.
The maintenance of the myth that cannabis causes crime has benefited law enforcement, drug enforcement and their masters in the ruling and upper castes and classes in numerous ways. Besides providing an easy way to put away potential troublemakers from the lower classes, castes and minority communities, it also provides sufficient material to bloat legal statistics, therefore vindicating the large budgets allocated to law enforcement, drug enforcement, judiciary and prison systems. Besides funds allocated legally to law enforcement and drug enforcement in the name of the war on cannabis, law enforcement and drug enforcement extort hefty bribes from wealthy individuals who then escape the legal action that the poorer sections of society face. Considering that cannabis is associated with a significant proportion of criminal proceedings, considering that persons from the elite and upper classes rarely face law enforcement action for cannabis, considering that cannabis cases enable law enforcement and drug enforcement to avoid going after the rich and powerful criminals and the major crimes in society, one can easily understand why law enforcement and drug enforcement are among the biggest opponents to cannabis legalization, as well as among the most vocal proponents of the myth that cannabis causes crime.
Has the prohibition of cannabis contributed to crime in any way?
Cannabis does not incite crime through its consumption, a fact clearly stated by both the Hemp Commission and its witnesses and subsequently proven numerous times in present day society. Now, looking further, the most important question that one needs to ask here is - Has the prohibition of cannabis contributed to crime in any way? When we look at the effects of cannabis prohibition today, 150 years on, we see that it has resulted in so much rampant crime that it shows how big a mistake prohibition was. Let us see some of the effects of cannabis prohibition on crime:
- Cannabis prohibition has led to the emergence of a wide variety of very dangerous drugs - such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, synthetic cannabinoids, novel psychotropic substances, etc. - that aim to meet the global demand for intoxicants, analgesics, stimulants and sedatives. These drugs are all much more closely associated with violent crime and homicidal frenzies than cannabis. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its World Drug Report 2020 states that - 'Drug use is associated to a degree with homicidal violence, but at a much lower rate than alcohol use. However, there is also evidence of synergistic effects of alcohol used in combination with drugs, cocaine in particular as it can potentiate violent thoughts and threats. In addition, it has been shown, for example, that during the “crack” cocaine epidemic which started in the United States in 1984, the sharp increase in the number of homicides in many cities could be attributed to the use of “crack” cocaine, but also, and to a much greater degree, to systemic violence, mostly resulting from territorial disputes. However, some have argued that the greatest effect of drug use on violence may be indirect, by creating a demand for the illicit production and distribution of drugs. In addition, for a variety of reasons, illegal markets can sometimes and in some places generate enormous violence.'
- The ban on cannabis, the emergence of other drugs - alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, synthetic cannabinoids, novel psychotropic substances, etc. - and the trafficking of all these through the illicit markets has changed the face of organized crime. Through money gained from these operations, organized crime forms cartels of increasing power that defy, and often work in cohorts with law enforcement and drug enforcement, creating multinational crime syndicates. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its World Drug Report 2020 states that - 'The shift away from purely hierarchically organized crime groups, characterized by an extensive division of labour within such organizations, also entails the emergence of new groups engaged in specific activities, covering only limited aspects of drug manufacture and logistics or specific areas such as money-laundering and the investment of drug proceeds.' Elsewhere the UNODC report states that 'The growing complexity of drug markets can be also observed in the organizational structure of the actors involved. There has been a general trend over the past two decades towards an increasing fragmentation of the serious and organized crime landscape and the emergence of more groups and looser networks. Organizations based on loose cooperation across criminal networks have proved more resilient to law enforcement interventions than other types, as a network that gets dismantled can, in general, be easily replaced by another.'
- Cannabis prohibition has not only led to a massive increase in illegal trafficking of a plethora of drugs, besides cannabis, and an increasing complexity of drug cartels, criminals have also devised sophisticated new methods of trafficking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its World Drug Report 2020 states that - 'The landscape of the global illicit drug trade has thus become more complex, is rapidly evolving and is facilitated by new technology such as encrypted communications software and the darknet.' Elsewhere the UNODC report states - 'The way drug trafficking organizations operate has been influenced by the growth of licit international trade and by the emergence of new ways of transporting goods. Notably, the use of containers has increased, and GPS devices have helped to retrieve the drug cargo within the multitude of containers. In a few cases, organized crime groups have even succeeded in hacking the computers of shipping companies to have containers redirected to locations where the drugs could be more easily removed from the container. In parallel, technological innovation has also enabled drug trafficking groups to acquire semi-submersibles to transport drugs, such as cocaine, from South America to Central and North America and, more recently, even to Europe, without being easily detectable. Moreover, drones are being used by drug trafficking groups to assist them in the shipment of drugs across borders. Another technological advance that has facilitated the connection of criminal groups is the emergence of encrypted messaging applications for mobile telephones, which have helped drug dealers to stay connected while maintaining a high degree of anonymity'
- The money gained from the illegal trade of cannabis, and the other drugs that have emerged due to its prohibition, goes into funding other criminal operations such as extortion, terrorism, arms trade, rigging elections, etc. that enable criminal gangs and their accomplices in the ruling classes to grow rapidly and become major threats to society.
- There is a section of society that believes that a person can become greatly addicted to cannabis, and will then rob and commit crimes to feed his or her habit. This premise is based on the myth that cannabis addiction is possible. What these persons seem to forget is that at one time, when cannabis was completely legal, it was available everywhere and was used by the poorest persons in society since it was so cheap, and the only affordable intoxicant for many. It is the prohibition of cannabis that has led to the price of cannabis reaching levels that are only affordable to the richest classes of society. So if today, someone decides to rob to pay for his or her cannabis needs, then it is the prohibition of cannabis that is to blame.
- A large number of people become victims of criminals precisely because cannabis is prohibited. When these victims seek to procure cannabis, they are robbed and harmed by criminals who waylay them with the promise of providing cannabis. This is especially true when, as tourists, people visit places known for their cannabis culture.
- Cannabis prohibition enables law enforcement and drug enforcement to discriminate against cannabis users, labeling them as 'bad characters', arresting and imprisoning them, and in many cases even shooting them dead purely on the basis of cannabis possession. Prisons world wide are filled with people imprisoned for cannabis use, cultivation and possession. All these people belong to minority economic, social, religious or racial groups.
- The imprisoning of people for use, cultivation, trade or possession cannabis results in many young people coming in close contact with hardened criminals in prison, resulting in the recruitment of these vulnerable young persons into criminal gangs that then go on to commit far worse crimes in society.
In summary.
To say that a particular substance - eaten, drunk or smoked - can turn a man into a criminal is itself ridiculous. To be a criminal, one needs to have a weak set of morals, ethics and will. Morals, ethics and will are qualities that are acquired by a person through personal experiences throughout life, the strength of each being related to the nature of the experiences and the psychological make-up of the individual. From all the evidence available, across the various crimes, we can see that crimes of violence and homicidal frenzy are driven by rage, jealousy, stress, pain and insanity whereas crimes for financial gain are driven by greed.
In the review of global violent crime and homicidal frenzy, the majority of cases did not even involve an intoxicant. In the ones that did involve an intoxicant, the evidence is almost non-existent of cannabis as a catalyst for stress, rage, jealousy and insanity. In comparison, other substances - alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine and anti-depressants - were found to be more complicit, with alcohol being the overwhelming culprit. From personal experience of about 30 years of smoking ganja, I can state that ganja and charas act as inhibitors of the very factors that contribute to violent crime and homicidal frenzy - rage, jealousy, stress and pain. Excess use of ganja or charas has only made me more still, calm and blissful. Today, cannabis is used to treat pain, anxiety and stress in places where cannabis is legalized.
Then there is the relation of cannabis with greed that needs to be looked at. Cannabis was used by a majority of the poorest, the labouring and working classes, the indigenous communities and the religious mendicants in India. Besides its medicinal, intoxicating, stimulating and fatigue relieving abilities, one of its most important effects, an effect that is almost never spoken about but one that all cannabis consumers are well aware of, is its ability to induce contentment in the consumer. Most cannabis consumers find happiness and contentment, a feeling of well being, an awareness of their oneness and identity with the web of life and the eternal spirit when they consume it. It blunts the overwhelming insane greed for material wealth and power that drives all those who appropriate more than what they need through fair means or foul. The prohibition of cannabis was done by the very people who amass more than what they need, plundering the earth and all its people. Its continued prohibition is also by these very same people who are the true criminals, the rulers of the earth, committing the real crimes on massive scales against life and nature, believing that they are beyond reproof, and punishing those who wish to live truly in the eternal spirit - the poorest and the most honest sections of society - by taking away the herb that enables so many to be happy and content with what they have.
A criminal may smoke ganja or charas for the same reasons that so many other people smoke it - to calm the mind, reduce pain, anxiety and stress, become more aware and focus on the task at hand. But the reason he commits a financial crime is because he is not content with what he has, is envious of what the rich person possesses (possibly as a result of the rich person's own weak morals, ethics and will), and so chooses to get it by the dishonest means of robbing the rich man, not because the criminal ganja or charas. This, as I stated above, is a matter of weak morals, ethics and will, not what the criminal consumes or wears. To say ganja or charas is an implicating factor in crime is like saying deep breathing, doing a set of sit-ups or push-ups, masturbating, eating cornflakes, drinking coffee or wearing a favorite brand of sneakers or jeans before invading a home is driving the criminal to invade the home...
Speaking of drug and money addictions, and theft - white Europe's invasion of Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East probably takes the cake: the Americas - for gold, precious gems, cocaine, and now oil; Asia - for gold, precious gems, opium; Africa and the Middle East - for gold, diamonds, oil and opium. White Europe, we can safely say, was driven by its addiction to cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, opium and material wealth to undertake these large scale home invasions, killing billions of humans, and destroying the planet at scales that stagger human comprehension. This continued into the world wars where white Europe, and its extended family in North America and Australasia, fought each other for the loot, and even further into the invasions of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the current invasion of Ukraine. I don't think ganja played any part in this as a driver of crime, other than being an obstacle to the addiction and the thirst of the white man for material wealth, alcohol, tobacco, opium, cocaine and oil. Instead of doing all things possible to prohibit and destroy ganja, and keep it prohibited, if white Europe and its extended family in North America and Australasia were content to smoke the ganja, and sit at home and enjoy the beautiful continent that it had been given as a home, this would have been heaven on earth rather than the hellish world that we live in, continuing to decieve ourselves that it is the same addictions that will bring about our salvation, rather than the divine herb ganja, or as you call it, marijuana...
Finally, if cannabis had deep connections with crime, then Indian society, which used cannabis extensively for thousands of years before the advent of the British, should have been rife with criminals, crime, bad characters, violence and homicidal frenzies. In other words Indian society should have been in a state of anarchy when the British arrived. This does not appear to be the case by any measure. In fact, India was so filled with wealth that it became the Jewel in the crown of the British Empire, enabling Britain to plunder the country, working in cahoots with the Indian ruling and upper classes, and to subsequently use the wealth to establish itself as a global empire, while reducing the Indian people to poverty with alcohol, tobacco, opium and synthetic pharmaceuticals to alleviate the suffering, and fill governmental coffers. The British left, handing over the reins to the Indian ruling and upper classes to continue their work, which they have done so diligently for the last 75 years.The total acceptance of cannabis - as ganja, bhang and charas - by all sections of Indian society, across all classes, across the length and breadth of the country, and its use as intoxicant, medicine, and spiritual aid for thousands of years is the indisputable proof that cannabis, in whatever form or in whatever quantity, has no connection with crime of any sort, , unless we consider the attractiveness of such a nation to global thieves as incitement for crime in the name of conquest......
Summary findings by the Commission regarding the connection of cannabis with crime.
Following are the summary findings by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895 with regard to the connection of cannabis with crime
Are consumers offensive to their neighbours?
541. As to whether moderate consumers are offensive to their neighbours the evidence can leave little doubt on the mind of any one who peruses it carefully. About seven hundred witnesses have thought it worth while to speak on this point. It may be safely presumed that of the remainder the great majority have no experience of anything offensive in consumers. Of those who have given their opinions, over six hundred say that moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. Of the small minority, some object, not unnaturally, to the bad example they think their ganja smoking neighbour may be to their sons who are growing up. Some merely take offence at the smell of the ganja smoke, and some at the "coughing and expectorating." They are evidently not inclined to be tolerant of the indulgence which they do not care themselves to practise. On the other hand, some of the minority are clearly dealing not with moderate consumption, but with the worst type of excess. They speak vaguely of the consumers as committing the gravest crimes under the influence of these drugs. Altogether it is clear that the moderate consumer is as a rule perfectly inoffensive. There appear to be quite adequate grounds for accepting the statement of those who assert that as a rule he "cannot be distinguished from the total abstainer." Some witnesses have stated that they had difficulty in finding the moderate consumers, though they did find that the habit of moderate consumption is common. Indeed, there are not wanting those who say that no consumer of bhang or ganja, whether in moderation or in excess, is ever an offensive neighbour. The contrast in this respect between the excessive consumer of hemp drugs and the excessive consumer of alcohol is frequently emphasized. No doubt the excessive consumer of hemp drugs must sometimes be a disagreeable and perhaps even dangerous neighbour; but even among excessive consumers such cases seem to be very rare indeed.
542. In discussing the connection of hemp drugs with crime, it is necessary to discriminate between any effect which they may be supposed to produce on crime in general and the unpremeditated crimes of violence to which intoxication may give rise. Thus there are those who allege that the habitual use of alcohol, at all events if carried to excess, degrades the mind and character of the consumer and predisposes him to crime in general, or to crimes of a particular character, especially to offences against property. Drink is thus set down sometimes as one of the most efficient agencies for increasing the criminal classes. On the other hand, there are well known cases in which intoxication from alcohol has led to crimes of an occasional and exceptional character, generally to unpremeditated crimes of violence or other unpremeditated offences against the person. These two classes of cases should be carefully distinguished and treated separately.
Bad characters.
543. The first question then is whether any large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of hemp drugs, and whether there is any general connection between such consumption and crime. About one-half of the witnesses have dealt with this question. Of these, a majority of two to one hold that no large proportion of bad characters are moderate consumers. A majority, but not quite so large, have the same opinion regarding excessive consumers. In respect to the second part of the question, a majority of eight to one hold that moderate consumption of these drugs has no connection with crime in general or with crimes of any particular character. A majority of nearly four to one hold the same view in regard to excessive consumption. There is one witness who makes rather a suggestive observation in this connection. He says that consumers "are called badmashes for this reason only, that our children may fear them and avoid their company." This undoubtedly suggests an explanation of some part of the popular condemnation of the drugs. A very large proportion of the natives of this country have a strong aversion to the use of intoxicants, and may reasonably be expected to influence their children against them in precisely this way. This may lead some witnesses to take an exaggerated view of the number of bad characters who are consumers. But there need be no hesitation in accepting the view that this number is indeed larger in proportion than the number of consumers among the general population. Consumers of hemp drugs are found more among the lower orders, among the poor, than among the more wealthy. The former are, of course, the classes to which the badmashes or bad characters belong. This is the explanation given by many witnesses of the alleged fact that proportionately more consumers of hemp drugs, and especially ganja smokers, are to be found among bad characters than among the whole population. But the general opinion is that hemp drugs have per se no necessary connection with crime. It is true that some witnesses assert that habitual consumers sometimes spend more than their poverty renders reasonably possible, and are then tempted to commit petty thefts. And there are probably many Magistrates of experience who have in "bad livelihood cases" heard the police enlarge on the amount believed to be spent on hemp drugs and other intoxicants and the apparent impossibility of meeting this expenditure honestly. The same is true, however, of any unwise expenditure beyond what one can afford, and of any extravagance which intensifies poverty.
Do criminals fortify themselves with these drugs?
544. Another question which arises in reference to the connection between hemp drugs and crime is whether these drugs are to any considerable extent taken by criminals to fortify themselves to commit premeditated crime of any kind. About one-half of the witnesses speak on this point. Of these a majority of nine to four answer in the negative. The truth seems to be that as hemp drugs help the consumer to endure great fatigue or exposure and stimulate him to unwonted exertion, criminals, like any other consumers of these drugs, go to them for that assistance when they feel that they require it. This is just as any man under similar circumstances might go to the intoxicant he was in the habit of using. Sometimes, no doubt, also a criminal may take his own particular intoxicant to supply Dutch courage. But it seems just as common with him to desire to keep his head clear, and therefore to avoid all intoxicants. No man, of course, who was not unaccustomed to the use of hemp drugs would turn to them for any of these purposes. There would be too great a risk of the unaccustomed intoxicant disabling rather than nerving the man. There is one class frequently mentioned in some parts of the country by whom the drugs are no doubt used, viz., "lathials" or professional clubmen, who are employed occasionally as mercenaries in riots and assaults. These men, like many wrestlers, use the drug habitually, and no doubt indulge in it before going out on their work.
Do criminals administer them to their victims?
545. About the same number of witnesses deal with the question whether criminals use hemp drugs to stupefy their victims. By a majority of about three to two, they answer this question in the affirmative. The question arises whether complete or sufficient stupefaction can be induced by the administration of these drugs. There seems to be considerable doubt on this point. It is a very general opinion that only persons unaccustomed to the drugs could be rendered insensible by them, and such persons would not take the drugs. No doubt ganja might be administered in a chillum with the pretence that there was nothing there but the tobacco with which it was mixed. But this as a rule would involve too much risk. Ganja would be too readily detected by smell and flavour. Many even of those who believe that hemp drugs could produce sufficient stupefaction speak also to the admixture as a general rule of more potent drugs, such as dhatura. As to cases, it is far easier to get many established cases of such stupefaction by dhatura alone than to get one where hemp drugs were clearly the narcotic employed. There are two special instances of this kind of use of hemp drugs mentioned by some witnesses, viz., thefts of ornaments from prostitutes intoxicated with bhang, and thefts of ornaments from children stupefied by majum sweetmeats. These, however, do not appear to be common. It is difficult to get instances of any such use of these drugs. The evidence in support of the view that they are so used is largely hearsay and based on mere rumour. On the whole, it is very improbable that the drugs are much used in this way; for dhatura, a much more potent drug, is more easily available and more easily administered.
Evidence that excessive consumption is not connected with unpremeditated crimes, especially crimes of violence.
546. There seems, therefore, good reason for believing that the connection between hemp drugs and ordinary crime is very slight indeed. There remains for discussion their alleged connection with unpremeditated crime, especially crimes of violence. In this connection it seemed only necessary to consider the excessive use of the drugs. This, then, was the question put before the witnesses, whether excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime, and whether they knew cases in which it had led to temporary homicidal frenzy. This question has been discussed by nearly six hundred witnesses, of whom a majority of very nearly three to two answer in the negative. They do not believe in any such connection. Their experience has not brought before them cases in which that connection seemed to exist. Some of them have clear recollection of crime being associated by causation with alcohol, but cannot recall any case in which it was similarly associated with hemp drugs. They will not go beyond their experience, and therefore they answer in the negative. Some of them go further than this. They go so far as to say that these drugs not only do not incite to crime, but have the very opposite tendency. They are of opinion that the drugs "tend to make men quiet;" that "the immediate effect is stupefying; there is none of that tendency to violence which is a characteristic of alcoholic intoxication;" and that the result of continued abuse of the drugs is to make a man "timid and unlikely to commit crime." These last statements cannot be accepted as generally true. No doubt the drugs may sometimes have these sedative effects, though a number of witnesses speak to habitual use producing irritability. Any one who has extensively visited ganja shops or places where consumers congregate must be struck with the perfect quiet which prevails in the great majority, and with the slothful, easy attitude of the consumers. These are not, however, the invariable effects of hemp drugs. Undoubtedly the excessive use does in some cases make the consumer violent. It is probably safe to say in view of all the evidence that the tendency of the drugs often seems to be to develop or bring into play the natural disposition of the consumer, to emphasize his characteristic peculiarities, or to assist him in obtaining what he sets his mind on. If he aims at ease and rest and is let alone, he will be quiet and restful; but if he is naturally excitable and ill-tempered, or if he is disturbed and crossed, he may be violent. This may be accepted perhaps as generally true if allowance be specially made for the fact that excess in the use of these drugs tends to show and to develop inherent weakness of character. At the same time the fact that so many witnesses testify to the peaceable and orderly character of the excessive consumers goes far to prove that in this country experience shows that as a rule these drugs do not tend to crime and violence.
Evidence to the contrary.
547. This impression is intensified by the consideration of the statements made by some of the witnesses who constitute the minority. Mr. D. R. Lyall (Bengal witness No. 1), who has had thirty-two years' varied experience as a Revenue Officer and Magistrate, says: "I have known cases of temporary homicidal frenzy;" but in his oral examination he says: "I can give no examples to illustrate my answer." This is precisely the position occupied by many of the most experienced witnesses. They have a more or less vague impression that hemp drugs and violent crime have been occasionally associated, but they cannot recall cases. A few testify to having searched the criminal records or police reports for years back in vain. As Mr. Westmacott (Bengal witness No. 2) says in his written paper: "I do not at this moment remember a case, but I have an impression that there are such cases." This is a witness typical of a class. There are other witnesses who speak less cautiously of "many cases," but cannot give information about any. Thus Mr. Williams (Bengal witness No. 18) speaks of "innumerable cases of homicidal frenzy." But his remark "is merely based on newspapers;" and he knows only one case which occurred at Calcutta while he was at Darbhanga, and of which his knowledge is "entirely hearsay." Similarly, Mr. W. C. Taylor (Bengal witness No. 36), an uncovenanted officer of forty-seven years' experience, speaks of "numerous cases," but can only recall one—surely a doubtful case—in which an attack was made on a party, of which he was a member, by a Sonthal in the Sonthal rebellion of 1856. Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police in the Central Provinces states that "running amok is always the result of excessive indulgence" in hemp drugs; but under cross-examination he says: "I have never had experience of such a case. I only state what I have heard." These witnesses also are typical of a considerable class, who refer to hearsay, to rumour, and to newspapers as the basis of their opinion. Many others, like Mr. Cooke, Commissioner of Orissa (Bengal witness No. 8), base their opinion on what they have heard of the history of criminal lunatics in asylums, and really speak only of acts of violence due to mania. One witness exposes this fallacy very simply: "I have never seen any instance of unpremeditated crime committed by a consumer, except that mad men sometimes grow violent." Such cases are clearly irrelevant to the question immediately under discussion. But there are a good number of witnesses who thus confound cases of violence occurring in the course of established insanity with unpremeditated crime incited by drugs. Instances are thus given of acts of violence committed in the asylum where the lunatic is confined. Some witnesses are even content to quote the fact of mania characterized by violence without any particular offence being committed as establishing this alleged connection between hemp drugs and violent crime. Some witnesses again base their opinion on a purely casual connection between the use of the drugs and the commission of crime. Thus Mr. Hugh Fraser (North-Western Provinces witness No. 8) spoke in his written paper of many crimes "committed under the influence of ganja." In his oral examination he asked that the word "while" should be inserted; and added: "I do not attribute the crime to the consumption of the drug. I cannot recall the details of any of these cases." This is certainly very different from the impression which his written answer conveyed. A Bengal witness goes even further in this direction. He says: "I know of two cases in which two ganja smokers committed murders, one for gain, and the other in heat of provocation." There is another class of witnesses who do not profess at all to require any basis of fact for their opinion. They speculate on the probabilities. They are content to reply that hemp drugs "weaken the brain and may lead to crime," or "I can imagine their doing so in the same way as excess of alcohol in an individual of a naturally violent temperament, but not in a peaceful subject."
Cases referred to.
548. All this tends greatly to lessen the weight of the evidence in support of the affirmative answer to this question, and to strengthen the impression that it is but rarely that excessive indulgence in hemp drugs can be credited with inciting to crime or leading to homicidal frenzy. All witnesses have been asked whether they know of cases of homicidal frenzy. The cases quoted are, however, very few. They have all been carefully considered by the Commission. As already stated, a few witnesses have mentioned cases which are admittedly mere outbreaks of established insanity. These cases are excluded. Two Punjab cases mentioned by Colonel Tucker (witness No. 28) and Mr. C. Brown (witness No. 29), in which Ghazis and Kukas are stated merely to have fortified themselves by bhang for a fanatical attack on their enemies, have also been excluded. Finally, four cases which occurred beyond British territory in feudatory states have also been excluded. With these exceptions, all the cases mentioned by witnesses answering question 53 have been abstracted and compiled in a tabular form in Vol. III Appendices. They are divided into two classes—viz., (i) those cases of which the records have not been called for; and (ii) those cases of which the records have been examined by the Commission. In every case in which the records have been examined, a note containing the result of that examination has been appended to the evidence of the witness who referred to the case. The number of the witness entered in the statement contained in the appendix will facilitate reference to the particular note dealing with the case.
Cases in which the record has not been called for.
549. There are 58 cases belonging to the first class and 23 cases of the second. This gives a total of 81 cases mentioned for the whole of India. Taking first the fifty-eight cases constituting class (i), it is interesting to notice that out of such of these cases as have dates assigned, no fewer than eleven are over twenty years old. One European witness has to go back to 1856 before he can find in his long experience any case of violence attributable to hemp drugs, and two native witnesses recall instances over forty years old. This serves to show that these cases are drawn from a long period of years as well as from the whole of India. It is also interesting to notice that seventeen of these cases are attributed to sepoys and armed police, to whom great temptation to violence presents itself when they are suddenly or seriously provoked. Ten other cases are attributed to persons of the fakir or religious mendicant class. The following sentences from Mr. Maconachie's judgment in the case shown as No. 71 on the list are of interest in this connection: "Accused was at the time excited with bhang; and even now at his trial he has a daring and violent manner, which shows plainly his disposition. He is one of those roaming fakirs who, when they get excited by their favourite potations of bhang or charas, are utterly lawless, and are fit to be treated as enemies of society." Deducting these twenty-seven cases, there remain only thirty-one of this class adduced as evidence of the effect which hemp drugs have on the people generally in leading to violent and unpremeditated crime. These cases cannot be very fully examined, as the Commission have not had the records before them. But the statements of the cases by the witnesses themselves show that several are merely cases of the rowdyism of intoxication; that there are several where the motive for the crime is quite adequate without looking to hemp drugs; and that there are not a few that have been put down to hemp drugs for no other reason than that the offender was a consumer. In one case the witness has held it sufficient to say that the man was under the influence of some drug.
Cases in which the records were examined.
550. The Commission called for the records in twenty-three cases in which the records were clearly traceable and easily obtainable. These cases were selected at haphazard simply on this ground. An abstract of what the records contain in each case will be found appended to the evidence of the witness quoting it. The examination of these cases tends greatly to weaken the force of the impression, even such as it is, created by the perusal of the cases of the first class. They may now be briefly discussed in detail. In case No. 59 a police officer informed the Commission that a ganja smoker suddenly murdered a vendor because he would not give him more of the drug. The facts were that the man had his knife in his hand as he was eating fruit; that in an altercation with the vendor the latter first dealt him a blow with a split bamboo; and that the other then turned on him with his knife. The principal circumstances of the case and the real provocation are lost sight of by the witness. This case cannot be regarded as due to hemp drugs. This witness, second case (No. 60), is defective in a somewhat similar manner, inasmuch as he fails to point out that the man sought to murder his wife because she had given evidence against him. This is unfortunately too often found to be an adequate explanation of such a crime as this. Though the man was a ganja smoker, there is no proof that he was under the influence of the drug at the time. There is no mention of ganja in the record. The next witness is Dr. Crombie, who is a member of the Committee for advising Government about criminal lunatics. He stated that he was unable, however, to give specific cases, but had one case clearly in his mind. This case he had also quoted before the Opium Commission as a case of running amok from ganja. He stated the case thus: "A Bengali babu, as the result of a single debauch, in an attack of ganja mania slew seven of his nearest relatives in bed during the night." A perusal of the records indicates that this statement of the case is wholly inaccurate. There is indeed mention of the man having used both ganja and opium. But there is no mention of a debauch, and there is mention of habit. So that the conception of "a single debauch" is quite opposed to the history contained in the records. The judicial record shows that the man had been for years peculiar in his behaviour; that about six years before he had become quite mad for a time on his wife's death; that on the present occasion a similar outbreak of madness had occurred on his mother's death; that he "did not take ganja during this time;" that the murders were committed on the night of his mother's Shradh, about which there had been "a commotion" during the day; and that the motive seemed to be mere insane despair as to how these members of the family could be cared for in the future. The asylum papers indeed mention "his mother's death as well as addiction to ganja and opium" as the cause of insanity. But the papers afford no clue as to the origin of Dr. Crombie's view of the case. The next five cases are three mentioned by Mr. Marindin (Collector, Bengal) and two by Mr. Dalrymple Clark (District Superintendent of Police, Assam). These witnesses did not profess a detailed knowledge of these cases, but merely suggested that the records should be consulted as the cases seemed to be such as the Commission desired to see. But the records show that no satisfactory connection between hemp drugs and crime was established in any of these cases. Dr. Mullane, a Civil Surgeon in Assam, mentions two cases in which he thinks the crime was associated with ganja. The first (No. 67) is a case in which a religious mendicant murdered a guest in the middle of the night. Under these circumstances it is impossible to say with anything like confidence what really occurred. But the evidence does point to the crime having been committed under the influence of ganja. In his second case (No. 68), however, Dr. Mullane is incorrect in his facts. The man did wound some people; he apparently did not kill any one. He never took ganja, though he took liquor and opium. The Judge found that he was not under the influence of any intoxicant at the time of the offence. Mr. Moran, an Assam Tea Planter, gives the next case (No. 69). It is instructive to note that though the case occurred on his own estate, and he was a witness at the trial, Mr. Moran's memory does not serve him well in regard to the facts. His present account of it differs most materially from that given at the time. The record is clearly against any connection between the crime and ganja, which Mr. Moran did not then mention at all. The only remaining Assam case (No. 70) seems from the papers to have been clearly a liquor case, and in no way connected with hemp drugs. The two Punjab cases seem both to illustrate the connection between hemp drugs and crime. The first (No. 71) has been already quoted as indicating the character of the fakirs to whom so many of these cases of violent crime are attributed. The second (No. 72) is a very interesting case. The records showing the efforts which have been made by the Punjab Government to make the Khosa tribe give up the excessive use of intoxicants well repay perusal. If these tribesmen can be persuaded to see the evil effects which have resulted from this excess and to abjure the drugs they use without turning to others, the Government will deserve congratulations on the results of a somewhat exceptional line of action. The next case (No. 73) is given by Colonel Chrystie, a Deputy Inspector General of Police in Madras, and is referred to by several other witnesses. A peon having been fined is said in his irritation to have taken a considerable amount of ganja, and to have then rushed out with a club. He struck a boy, and then ran along the public road until he met an old man whom he beat to death, alleging afterwards that he had killed a black pig. The connection between the crime and ganja was accepted by the courts at the time; but doubt is cast on this case by the fact that this man was afterwards found to be subject to recurrent insanity, several violent outbreaks of which were manifestly independent of any drug. This is one of the accepted cases for 1892 in the Madras Asylum. The next three cases (Nos. 74 to 76) were referred to by Mr. Stokes, a Madras Collector, as having been mentioned to him by a Police Inspector as ganja cases. But a perusal of the records shows that there is no adequate reason for connecting these murders with hemp drugs. The last Madras case (No. 77) is a strange one. A father first cruelly burned his child; and, when the child cried, it occurred to the father as it was a feast day to offer the child to the god. He did so, killing the child and lapping up the blood. There was evidence that the man was under the influence of ganja (bhang) which he had smoked. The High Court adopted this view and sentenced him to transportation for life. The next case (No. 78) is one in which certain Talavias organized a riot in the town of Broach, in the course of which Mr. Prescott, District Superintendent of Police, was killed. Mr. Cappel, the Collector, gives a full account of the details of this disturbance, and shows that it cannot be reasonably connected with hemp drugs. The next two cases were mentioned by Mr. Sinclair, Collector of Thana. The first (No. 79) is the case of a servant who is alleged to have attempted to throttle his master's wife as she was sleeping by her husband at night. He is said to have been under the influence of ganja, and the records bear out this view. In the second case (No. 80), Mr. Sinclair seems to be doubly mistaken. In the first place, the Magistrate acquitted the accused because it was not proved that he had committed the acts constituting the alleged offence, and, in the second place, the man's insanity was attributed to other causes than ganja. The last case (No. 81) was given by Colonel Humfrey, Inspector-General of Police, Bombay. Colonel Humfrey was engaged in the arrest of the sepoy in this case; yet his recollection of the facts was not quite accurate, and led him to make the connection between the crime and bhang closer than it really was. He did not, however, actually attribute the crime to the drug. The judgment of the High Court is very clear, and shows that the murderous use of his rifle by this sepoy was deliberately planned, was due to revengeful feelings against the policeman, and was not due to the influence of bhang.
Results of the examination of these cases.
551. Of these twenty-three cases then, the records in not less than eighteen show that the crimes cannot be connected with hemp drugs. There is one case on which doubt is thrown by subsequent discoveries. The connection between hemp drugs and crime is only established in the remaining four. It is astonishing to find how defective and misleading are the recollections which many witnesses retain even of cases with which they have had special opportunities of being well acquainted. It is instructive to see how preconceived notions based on rumour and tradition tend to preserve the impression of certain particulars, while the impressions of far more important features of the case are completely forgotten. In some cases these preconceived notions seem to prevail to distort the incident altogether and to create a picture in the mind of the witness quite different from the recorded facts. Some of the witnesses whose memories have thus failed them are men who might have been expected to be careful and accurate. Their failure must tend to increase the distrust with which similar evidence, which there has been no opportunity of testing, must be received
552 Summary of conclusions regarding effects.
In regard to the moral effects of the drugs, the Commission are of opinion that their moderate use produces no moral injury whatever. There is no adequate ground for believing that it injuriously affects the character of the consumer. Excessive consumption, on the other hand, both indicates and intensifies moral weakness or depravity. Manifest excess leads directly to loss of selfrespect, and thus to moral degradation. In respect to his relations with society, however, even the excessive consumer of hemp drugs is ordinarily inoffensive. His excesses may indeed bring him to degraded poverty which may lead him to dishonest practices; and occasionally, but apparently very rarely indeed, excessive indulgence in hemp drugs may lead to violent crime. But for all practical purposes it may be laid down that there is little or no connection between the use of hemp drugs and crime.
Individual witness responses.
Following are the individual responses of witnesses to the questions regarding cannabis and its connection with crime as posed by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895.43. Absolutely so. In this view alcohol renders those under its influence much more offensive than ganja. 52. The above applies generally. Men under ganja sometimes commit murder; but it is hard to say how far the ganja is responsible. 53. Generally premeditated. I have known cases of temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. To some extent. 55. Dhatura is generally mixed when drugging is intended. Ganja alone, unless taken to an enormous extent, would not cause complete stupefaction. In fact, I am not sure that alone it would ever do so. - Evidence of the HON'BLE MR. D. R. LYALL, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue, Calcutta
43. Quite 52. I should expect to find excessive ganja smokers among regular town badmashes, but I cannot give facts. 53 and 54. I do not at this moment remember a case but I have an impression that there are such cases. 55. Never, I think. They would probably use dhatura. Question 55 [oral evidence].—My general experience of police cases formed the basis of my answers. I have never received a report of drugging by ganja. - Evidence of MR. E. V. WESTMACOTT, Commissioner, Presidency Division; late Commissioner of Excise, Bengal
I do not think that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers, but a person of the criminal class, who is in the habit of taking ganja, may resort to it before starting on a criminal expedition to brace up his energies, Excessive use of ganja is believed to lead to crime. It brings a man into disrepute, and when once a man is known as a reprobate, the transition to crime is speedy. Excessive indulgence in ganja is said to incite to unpremeditated crime and to lead to temporary homicidal frenzy. The only case of the kind that has come before me in my personal experience was the following:—A man, a resident of a Political State under my control, was recently tried by me for the unpremeditated murder of a child in a fit of frenzy. He snatched it up in the street, ran away with it, and cut its head clean off with his axe. The possession of the axe did not denote premeditation, for in the jungly locality in question men carry axes as freely as we use walking sticks. He was said to be a ganja smoker, and while admitting the crime could give no account of why he did it. He had not, however, the appearance of an excessive ganja smoker, was mild in manner, and generally sorry for the deed, but as regards the incidents of commission his mind was a blank, "Why should I," he pathetically observed, "kill? I never did such a thing before, but as they say I did it, I suppose I must have." It was impossible for me to decide whether the crime was due to ganja. The man was in his senses when tried, but had been temporarily insane when he committed the crime. He was acquitted on this ground and sent to the asylum. I did not come to a finding either as to whether he was a ganja smoker or as to whether the crime was connected with ganja. The case coming up from a Chief would be very defective in accurate details. The man admitted that he smoked ganja, but there was no evidence that ganja had anything to do with the offence. - Evidence* of MR. W. H. GRIMLEY, Commissioner of Chota Nagpur
As Magistrate and visitor of jails I have formed the general impression that crimes of violence are very frequently attributed to the hemp drugs. This impression is not based on specific knowledge, but on general reports and popular rumour. I do not remember coming across any cases of ganja consumers except the one I have described, and in that it was the servants' statement only. The consumption of ganja has not been a fact which intruded itself upon me, so that I cannot point to any person and say he is a consumer. I have never had persons pointed but to me as social wrecks from the effects of ganja. On the other hand I have known several cases in which I was certain of the use of alcohol, and I remember for certain dismissing at least one clerk for repeated intemperance. I think I have dismissed more. I have seen many careers among my clerks wrecked through indulgence in alcohol. I am only referring to cases of natives, and these were frequently of good social position. As far as I have seen, many more cases of evil effects from alcohol than from hemp have come before me. The effects of the former seem to be more on the surface. - Evidence of MR.G.TOYNBEE, Commissioner, Bhagalpur Division
I have never had opportunity of observing cases. I think the people, if asked, would say that smoking ganja to any great extent was bad, but that taking bhang was much better. They would regard alcohol as worse. That is generally my view, as I must base my view on what I hear. I cannot, from personal observation, say anything definite. I cannot, I fear, give instances of connection between hemp drugs and insanity; but I think that if I had the records of the Courts of the Brahmaputra valley before me I should be able to show cases of violence traced to ganja. It has to be borne in mind, however, that ganja is often used as a false plea to get men off capital punishment. I have for the last fifteen months in this Dacca division (which of course I remember better than the more remote Assam experience) had all the special police reports showing all serious crime; and I do not remember any case of the connection of crime and hemp drugs. I cannot say whether ganja or alcohol is more connected with crime. But my experience leads me to say that in the Assam Valley districts it will be found that both these intoxicants are sometimes associated with crime, especially in tea gardens. - Evidence of MR. H. LUTTMAN-JOHNSON, Commissioner of Dacca
43. I believe entirely so. 52. It is alleged that devotion to this habit leads men to steal in order to gratify the propensity. I do not think that it can be alleged that their excessive use can be associated with other forms of crime, except those of violence. 53. Undoubtedly. I believe I am right in saying that lunatic asylums are full of such cases. 54. It is not improbable that they may be used by rioters before a riot; but it would not be easy to prove this. 55. I have never met with a case of the kind - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division
I believe moderate consumers of ganja to be inoffensive to their neighbours if left alone; if disturbed, I am told they are very irritable...As I have said before, in the course of 32 years' residence in Bengal, I have never had a criminal before me who was said to have committed an offence under the influence of ganja-smoking. I do not think ganja-smoking has any connection with crime. I do not believe that a large proportion of bad characters are ganja smokers at all. Criminals, when about to commit a premeditated act of violence or other offence, may possibly have a good pull at the ganja chillum as a preliminary in order to fortify themselves or get up Dutch courage, but I have never heard of any instance. An English criminal, very much more often, I believe, takes a glass of grog as a sort of preparation before embarking on the commission of a daring burglary—to steady his nerves, as he would say. You would not stop the consumption of alcohol entirely because it was once in a way used in this manner. A glass of coca wine would act better, I should say, to secure this end than any stimulant, but you would not prohibit the drinking of coca wine altogether. I have never heard of criminals inducing their victims to partake of a ganja smoke so that they might become stupefied. I believe complete stupefaction cannot be induced by smoking ganja without admixture. - Evidence of MR. J. C. PRICE, Magistrate and Collector, Rajshahi
43. Yes. 51 and 52. I have not heard of any crime committed by moderate consumers. But the excessive use causes homicidal tendency, quarrelsomeness, and induces consumers to commit many rash acts, but seldom to commit theft. But siddhi or charas, even when taken in excess, does not induce consumers to commit any rash act. They in such cases induce laziness, and at the worst confine the consumers to their beds. 53 and 54. Not so as in the case of alcohol. But there have been instances of habitual ganja smokers, who, if occasion requires, take the drug a little in excess to fortify themselves with a view to taking revenge upon their adversaries. 55. Yes; ganja alone is used with the admixture of dhatura, nux vomica, and of both, for the purpose of committing road-poisoning, and instances are not wanting to show that complete stupefaction has been induced or even death has occurred. - Evidence of MR. F. H. BARROW, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No. Those addicted to ganja smoking sometimes steal to pay for their darling drug. It is not taken as an inducement to commit heinous crimes. They are used by habitual criminals, but I do not think as a stimulus to crime. 53. No. 54. Bhang or ganja taken in any quantity rarely makes a man violent. 55. Sometimes complete stupefication may be effected by the use of ganja in persons unaccustomed to it. Opium is also sometimes mixed with it for this purpose - Evidence of MR. F. H. B. SKRINE, Magistrate and Collector of Bhagalpur.
43. Yes. 55. (b) Yes. - Evidence of MR. A. C. TUTE, Magistrate and Collector of Dinajpur.
Question 53.—My remark about cases of homicidal frenzy being innumerable is merely based on newspapers. But the case of the servant of the Maharaja of Darbhanga was known to me. I was told he did not take liquor. The case occurred in Calcutta and I was in Darbhanga; so my knowledge of it was entirely hearsay. My opinion is a general impression based on newspapers and also on my recollection of cases I heard of in Assam. But I can recall no particular case except the case of the Darbhanga sowar I have quoted. - Evidence of MR. H. C. WILLIAMS,* Magistrate and Collector of Darbhanga.
43. Yes. 51. No. 52. No. 53. No 54. No. 55. No. [Oral evidence] - I think that crime is very rarely connected with ganja. Occasionally violent crime may be due to ganja. I have heard of such cases. But I do not think that any one has come before me. My experience certainly does not show the connection of ganja with crime - Evidence of the HON'BLE F. R. S. COLLIER, Magistrate and Collector, 24-Parganas.
43. The consumers of the hemp, moderate or excessive, are always inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. (a) A good many are said to be. It is a frequent piece of evidence in a bad livelihood case that the accused consumes ganja. (b) With crimes of violence. Question 51 [oral evidence].—The evidence is generally given, I think, that the man is living beyond his means and has to resort to theft to supplement his income. I may have enquired as to the amount used and the cost to the consumer, but I cannot recall the fact. I certainly do not do it as a rule. It is very improbable that it would be tested in such cases whether the use was moderate or excessive, and the evidence might be called, to use a native phrase, of a "mamuli" sort. It is a bit of evidence which I generally disregard I certainly should not run in a man because he smoked ganja. 54. I cannot say, but see last answer. 55. I have not known any case of this sort. 53. Yes; I have known cases where the consumption of the drug has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. Question 53 [oral evidence].— Two cases I had in my mind occurred when I was at Bhagalpur last year. One came from the Sonthal Parganas, and I learnt about it when I visited the Jail. The other was tried by one of my Magistrates in Bhagalpur and came under my notice as District Magistrate. In the Bhagalpur case the connection of the hemp drug with the crime appears on the record. It occurred about August 1893, in the sub-division of Supole, and the case was ultimately tried in the Sessions Court. Regarding the Sonthal Parganas case, I am not certain whether the hemp drug appeared on the record or whether Dr. Moorhead, who was in charge of the Jail, formed the opinion that the man was an habitual ganja smoker. This case was also tried in the Sessions Court at Bhagalpur. I cannot remember any other specific cases. After writing my answers I made enquiries in the District Magistrate's record room at Arrah, and the office could not put their hands on any case during the last five years in which the hemp drugs were connected with heinous crime. 54. I cannot say, but see last answer. 55. I have not known any case of this sort. - Evidence of MR, C. R. MARINDIN, Magistrate and Collector of Shahabad
43. Quite. I have seen many ganja-smokers, but none violent or offensive. 51. I am not aware that there is any connection between crime and the use of hemp drugs. 52. Occasional excessive use of ganja may lead to sudden outbursts of passion. Habitual excessive consumers have often irritable tempers. 53. I am not aware of any such case. 54. I am not aware. 55. Hemp drugs cannot be conveniently used for causing stupefaction, and their use for such a purpose is unknown. - Evidence of MR. K. G. GUPTA, Commissioner of Excise, Bengal.
43. Yes. 51. (a) Not known. (b) No connection has been traced here. 52. No connection. 53. In lunatic asylum visiting, I have come across cases so attributed. 54. No experience of this. 55. (a) Sometimes they do so by mixing dhatura seed with bhang. (b) No. - Evidence of MR. L. HARE, Magistrate and Collector of Muzaffarpur.
43. Yes. 51. Generally bad characters of low class people are addicted to it. Moderate use does not produce any crime. 52. But when used in excess it leads men to commit crime. 53. Excessive indulgence of ganja or bhang may incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. I am not aware of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal tendency. 54. I have no personal knowledge of such cases, but it is not impossible, but rather probable, that criminals may fortify themselves by using the drugs before they commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. Generally it is not used by criminals to stupify their victims, so as to commit violence upon them. - Evidence of MR. G. E. MANISTY, Magistrate and Collector of Saran
43. Yes. 51. Bad characters generally prefer alcohol, and I am unaware of any connection between ganja and crime when the drug is used in moderation. 52. It is only when excessive smoking causes insanity that the consumer is dangerous. 53. I have met with no case of this kind in this district. My Cachar experiences have now rather fallen into oblivion, but I have an impression there were one or two cases there. 54. No. 55. I have met with no such cases - Evidence of MR. J. KENNEDY, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No; I do not think the excessive or moderate use of ganja has any connection with the commission of crime in general or with crime of any special character, or with the preparation to commit such crime. 53 to 55. No - Evidence of MR. T. L. JENKINS, Magistrate and Collector of Dacca
43. I believe so. 51. For some reason or other habitual criminals are either really addicted to or are stated by the police to cause prejudice to be addicted to some form of intoxication, more commonly liquor in Behar, and more commonly ganja in Orissa; elsewhere in about equal proportions. Perhaps the criminal classes require more 'keeping up' or the taste which is an expensive one urges to crime. Yesterday I. was talking to a confessed ganja smoker, and asked how much he smoked, and he said 1/4th tola a day; and I said 'was that enough?' and he told me that this was all he could afford and that if he took more than that he must steal. 53. This is a medical question. It is impossible to tell how any form of intoxication will act on any particular brain. 54. I do not remember such a case, though I have often heard of alcohol being so used. 55. Yes. I cannot answer the latter part of the question - Evidence of MR. H. F. T. MAGUIRE, Magistrate and Collector of Khulna
43. Yes. 51 and 52. I have no information. 53. The Civil Medical Officer informs me that he has heard of cases of temporary homicidal frenzy amongst excessive ganja-smokers. 54. No information. 55. I have not met with a case - Evidence of MR. W. R. BRIGHT, Deputy Commissioner of Palám
43. Yes. 51. Moderate use of ganja or bhang has no connection with crime. 53. The effect of excessive indulgence in ganja is either stupefying or exhilarating, according to the constitution of the man using it. The Assistant Surgeon, Doctor Nobin Chandra Dutta, writes to mea s follows:— "I have known a case of a ganja-smoker who had to be kept tied down for more than twentyfour hours to prevent his causing violence to his neighbours and to members of his family. I should think this was a case of temporary homicidal frenzy." 54. Criminals habituated to ganja-smoking are known to fortify themselves to commit premeditated acts of violence by repeatedly smoking it. Those who are unaccustomed to it sometimes drink bhang for the purpose. 55. Bhang is used, often mixed with dhatura seeds. - Evidence of MR. N. K. BOSE, Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Noakhali
43. They are not offensive because of their moderate consumption. 51. The proportion of habitual consumers among bad characters is comparatively small. These drugs are used by the lowest classes, and these classes, as in other countries, furnish the largest proportion of criminals. Whether there is any causal connection between the two I cannot say. 52. It is well known that different people under the influence of alcohol behave very differ¬ ently. Some go to sleep and others fight. I presume it is the same with ganja. Bhang, however, is said when taken in excess to produce stupefaction, while ganja excites. 53. When I was in Backergunge, where I served for two years, persons charged with violent crime frequently came before me, and I used to enquire whether they took ganja. In many cases I found they dids o,a nd it was not tills omey ears afterwards that it struck me that I had,for the reason stated above reallyn op roof of any connection between the two. 54. They are said to be so used. 55. Yes; but complete stupefaction is not pro¬ duced without admixture. - Evidence of MR. L. P. SHIRRES, Magistrate and Collector of Midnapur
43. Yes. 51. I am not aware of any proportion between the moderate use of these drugs and crime. 52. Their excessive use, no doubt, leads to crime by producing a violent form of intoxication, and by rendering the person for the time being not fully aware of the effects of what he is doing. 53. I do not know of any case. 54. I do not know of any such case. 55. I have occasionally heard of such cases. Probably some other narcotic drug was also added to strengthen the effect of the ganja or siddhi - Evidence of MR. E. H. C. WALSH,* Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Cuttack
43. Sometimes they become offensive to their neighbours and others who visit them at the time they are under the influence of ganja. 51. Most of the bad characters take ganja, either moderately or in excess. 53. Yes, probably. I know of no such case. 54 and 55. I cannot say. - Evidence of MR. J. H. BERNARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Nadia
43. I have never heard of any case in which a moderate consumer made himself actively offen¬ sive to his neighbours. Even moderate con¬ sumers are regarded with a certain amount of disgust by theirm orer espectable neighbours, but they never tend to become violent, nor indeed do they interfere with their neighbours in any way. 51 and 52. Bad characters may roughly be divided into the following classes:— 1st.—Hereditary criminals, i.e., members of a criminal tribe or of a tribe or caste having strong criminal tendencies.—These men usually follow the custom of their tribe or caste in the matter of the consumption of these drugs. In some of these castes the habit of ganja smoking is common; others are addicted to bhang. Others are not addicted to either drug. Their tendency to crime is the result of hereditary disposition and education, and is in no way connected with the consumption of these drugs. 2nd.—Men of low and disreputable origin, such as are common in towns, who, having no social ties, often become criminals.—Men of this class usually take to intoxicants in some form, and some of them become habitual ganja smokers, and when they do so they are prone to indulge in the habit to excess, but it cannot be said that the consumption of the drug has any special connection with crime. It may be that some men of this class who might otherwise earn an honest livelihood are prevented from doing so by their partiality for the drug, but in most cases I think men of this class are criminals first, and ganja smokers afterwards. 3rd.—Men who are to all outward appearance respectable members of society, who league themselves with criminals, and commit or abet crime for the purpose of gain.—Men of this class do not usually consume these drugs. 4th.—Individual members of respectable families, who have been outcasted or who have cast off social ties and taken to crime.—Such men are often ganja smokers, but they usually adopt the habit, after they have commenced to associate with criminals and disreputable characters. The habit is generally the effect and not the cause of their fall. My experience is that the consumption of these drugs is not connected with crime in general or with any particular class of crime. Sometimes it may happen that habitual ganja smokers when hard up commit theft to supply their wants, but such cases are comparatively rare. I do not believe that the interdiction of ganja would appreciably diminish crime. 53. No. In the case of ganja the immediate effect is stupefying. There is none of that tendency to violence which is a characteristic of alcoholic intoxication. When, however, excessive indulgence causes actual mania, then violent conduct may be expected. I cannot, however, call to mind any particular case of homicidal frenzy, though I think I have heard of such cases. 54. I know of no authentic case of this. I remember one case in which a murderer was stated to have smoked ganja before committing the crime. There was, however, a woman in the case and the real facts were never ascertained. 55. Such cases do occur but they are not very common. Complete stupefaction can be caused by ganja alone. In cases of drugging by professional criminals, it is usual to find dhatura used. - Evidence of MR. A. E. HARWARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Bogra
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No. We believe there is no such connection. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja produces anger, and may thereby induce unpremeditated violence. It is said that it produces temporary homicidal frenzy. 54 and 55. No - Evidence of COLONEL C. H. GARBETT, Deputy Commissioner of Hazar
43. As a rule the moderate consumers are in¬ offensive to their neighbours, but it cannot be said, however, that the habit does not produce remote evil consequences in those who indulge in it. 51. Petty thefts are committed by those who have been long addicted to the use of ganja, and whose intellectual faculties and moral sense are impaired. Violent crimes are also committed by those under the influence of the drug. 52. In the acute stage riotings and murders occur. 53. Yes. I know of no such case. 54. From what I can learn, I should certainly say yes. 55. There is reason to believe so. But in such cases generally dhatura and opium are used in addition. - Evidence of Mr. C. A. S. BEDFORD,* Deputy Commissioner of Manbhum
43. Yes - Evidence of Mr. R. H. RENNY, Deputy Commissioner of Singbhum
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No. Not here. 53. I do not think so. 54. No. 55. Nothing of the sort is known here - Evidence of RAI NANDAKISORE DAS, BAHADUR,* District Officer of Angul, Cuttack
43. They are inoffensive unless annoyed. When roused they are more dangerous than non-consumers. 51. Crime cannot be attributed to the use of any of these drugs here. 52. A ganja consumer when under the influence of the drug may be more easily provoked to personal violence than non-consumers in general. 53 and 54. No. 55. Ganja and dhatura may be used. The only cases in which these are now used are in theft cases. The commonest type is that of theft of ornaments from prostitutes. - Evidence of MR. W. MAXWELL, Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhenidah, District Jessore
43. They are usually inoffensive. 51. Yes; bad characters are usually ganjasmokers and takers of bhang. I cannot say what connection the moderate use of these drugs has with crime. 52. Same as 51, but to greater extent. 53 and 54. The numerous cases of what is called running "amôk" which occur in India are often, if not always, due to excessive doses of ganja and bhang taken with or without admixture of dhatura seeds (Datura stramonium). The word assassin is derived from hashishin or hashish inebriate, and hashish is a preparation of charas. Questions 53 and 54.[oral evidence] — My answer is based on general report and some experience of my own. Once when passing through a village in the Sonthal Parganas with friends, a man attacked us with a sword and cut off a piece of one of my companion's boots. He was seized before he could do more mischief. We learnt afterwards that the man was drunk with bhang. That occurred during the Sonthal rebellion in 1856. The villagers and the man himself said he was intoxicated with bhang. I do not recall any other case within my personal observation, but I have read of such cases in the newspapers. I know also that the word assassin is derived from hashish, which is said to be prepared from charas.55. I believe that the records of criminal trials in India will shew that many such cases occur. I don't know whether complete stupefaction can be induced by ganja or bhang unmixed with other drugs. - Evidence of MR. W.C .TAYLOR, Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, East Coast Railway, and Pensioned Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Khurda, Orissa
43. Perfectly so. 53. My experience does not lead me to believe that excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime, violent or other¬ wise. It is in this respect that it is so marked a contrast to alcohol drinking. 54. No knowledge. 55. I think complete stupefaction is possible by inhaling the fumes of ganja, but I have no expe¬ rience of any actual instance. - Evidence of CHUNDER NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Deputy Collector, at present employed as Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of the Bhagalpur Division.
43. Yes. 51. Yes, of ganja. The use has the effect of deadening the finer sensibilities and inducing turbulence and heat of brain, rendering it less susceptible to fear or consequence of nefarious actions. 52. The excessive use produces a reverse effect, and does not conduce to resorting to such actions, and renders the victim subject to fits unsuited to determined and resolute actions. 53. Yes, ganja does it. It has been in some instances observed to lead to unpremeditated and hasty actions. I am not aware of its leading to homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes, ganja in some cases, like spirits, is used for such purposes. 55. I have known of no such instances. I believe complete stupefaction is not induced unless bhang is admixed with other substances. - Evidence of BABU RAM CHARAN BOSE, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Alipur, 24-Parganas.
43. Moderate smokers are inoffensive to their neighbours, but excessive smokers are not. 51. A small proportion of bad characters are moderate smokers (the exact proportion is not known). It has no connection with crime in general, but it is believed that the agitation among the Kharwars, which latterly had turned more into a political movement than religious excitement, emanated from ganja smokers, who imagined they could take the Government of the country into their own hands, pay no rent to landlords and drive the English out. The sudden ebullitions of feelings which from time to time rise among them spring from the same source. Question 51 [oral evidence].—The political disturbance I refer to began in 1879, and it again appeared at the Census of 1881. The leaders of the disturbance were Kharwars, who are Hinduised Sonthals. These people have abjured liquor and taken to ganja. The agitation was originally religious in favour of Hinduism as against the old Sonthal worship, but it developed into an agrarian movement against the payment of rent. I do not attribute the movement to ganja, but the movement having begun, the ganja-smokers went further than the others, and were the people who indulged in the wild talk about taking the government of the country and paying no rent. That is to say, an attempt was made to turn the religious movement into a political and agrarian one by leaders who were ganja-smokers, and who, up to this day, raise the same grievances whenever a new officer comes into the district. 52. The remarks given in paragraph 51 apply to this also. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja incites to unpremeditated violence. I know the following persons who became violent and dangerous lunatics through ganja smoking:—Dharma Manjhi Saoria, Ramdar Pande, Kartic Chhutar, Chunka Sonthal, Baijal Rai, and others. Question 53 [oral evidence].—Of the five persons named in this answer, Ramdar Pande, Kartik Chhutar, Baijal Rai were, as far as I recollect, sent to the lunatic asylum. The other two recovered. None of these men committed any violent crime for which he was tried. I give them as instances`of persons who were violent and dangerous from ganja-smoking. All of these persons were sent by me for the Civil Surgeon's observation 54. Not known. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture. - Evidence of MR. E. MCL. SMITH, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.
43. Yes. 51. Moderate consumers are not known to commit any offence. 52. People excessively using ganja are known to commit offences to person and property. 53. Yes; excessive use is known to excite anger and thus to lead to violent acts. 54. Yes; robbers and dacoits before attempting the crime are known to use them. 55. (a) Yes. (b) Yes - Evidence of BABU GOPAL CHUNDER MOOKERJEE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Diamond Harbour
43. Generally so, except in rare cases. 51. Ganja-smoking hardens the sensibilities of the smoker. 54. Yes, I have heard of this. - Evidence of BABU NAVIN KRISHNA BANERJI, Brahman, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, District Manbhum.
43. They are inoffensive. 51. The bad characters generally take some drug—ganja, madak, or chandu. Some also take country liquor or tari, specially in Behar. I have heard of cases in which offenders, before committing dacoity or murder, fortified themselves by taking ganja. The commission of the crime in such cases is first fixed upon and then some narcotic drug is taken to stir them up. 52. Excessive use of ganja at one time is known to create almost temporary insanity or wildness, in some instances has led to the commission of violent crimes, specially grievous hurt or murder. The excessive use of ganja makes one bad-tempered, violent, and quarrelsome. 53. Excessive indulgence at one time in some incites one to commit unpremeditated violence. I have heard of such cases, but cannot now remember all facts. 54. Yes, ganja is so used, not bhang; its effects are passive. 55. Yes; I know of drugging cases in which ganja was used. I would recommend the Commission to study the special reports of these cases. Last year a few cases occurred of this nature in this division. - Evidence of BABU PRAN KUMAR DAS, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Burdwan.
43. Yes, they are. 51. About 50 per cent. of the bad characters are habitual consumers of ganja. No connection with crime. 52. The excessive use makes men irritable and induces them to commit offences against the person. 53. Excessive use of ganja makes men irrit¬ able and may lead to violent crime. No case came to my notice. 54. No, not here; but it is used in big towns, where there are hardened criminals. 55. Not done here. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture with dhatura. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA BASAK, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Brahmanbaria, Tippera District.
43. Yes. 51. No. It has no connection with crime. 52. Many of the bad characters take ganja to excess for the purpose of committing a violent crime, such as dacoity, robbery, murder, etc., etc. Those who drink siddhi do not commit crime. 53. Yes, excessive indulgence does incite to unpremeditated crime. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes, ganja is so used. 55. (a) Yes, siddhi is so used. (b) No. Siddhi is mixed with dhatura and given to the victim to drink. He drinks it unconsciously and becomes completely stupefied. - Evidence of BABU DINA NATH DÉ, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Nadia.
43. Of all persons using intoxicants, one sort or other, the ganja smoker is the most inoffensive of all to his neighbours. 51. No. The moderate use of ganja has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. Same as above. During my fourteen years' experience as Judicial Officer, I hardly came across criminals who are habitual ganja smokers or that moderate or excessive use of ganja induced them to commit crime. 53. No such case came to my knowledge. There is nothing peculiar in ganja to incite unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. 54. I have heard of this old story that robbers and dacoits fortifying themselves with smoking ganja commit dacoity or theft. Probably there might have been some truth about this story a century before, but in my experience as Deputy Magistrate I never came across a single case of the nature described in this question. 55. I have never come across such case. I do not think that complete stupefaction is possible by smoking ganja without admixture. - Evidence of BABU GANENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Naogaon
43. Yes. 51. (a) No. (b) No connection. 52. Ditto. 53. Excessive indulgence may incite to unpremeditated crime. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Not known in this district. 55. Not known in this district. Complete stupefaction can be induced by ganja without admixture when tried on a person unaccustomed to the drug. - Evidence of BABU GANGANATH ROY, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong.
43. In my opinion moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The bad characters here are not, in general, habitual consumers of ganja. 52. No one of them is heard to be an excessive consumer. 53. No such case has come to notice in which by excessive use of these drugs any unpremeditated crime, violence, or homicide has been committed by their consumers. 54. In some rare cases of dacoity I heard the criminals used ganja before they set up for the purpose. 55. The criminals do not induce their victims to partake of these drugs to produce their stupor, with intent to facilitate their criminal action. - Evidence of BABU BHAIRAB NATH PALIT, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Birbhum.
43. Yes. 51. A certain proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs, but the proportion is not very large. 52. But the persons, who are addicted to excessive use of any of these drugs, are generally of bad character. 53. An excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. 54. Such examples are very rare. 55. In very rare cases, criminals induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs, and so stupefy themselves. A complete stupefaction cannot be induced unless dhatura is admixed with it. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRO NATH BANDYOPADHYA, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jalpaiguri.
43. Yes. 51. (a) Yes, in the sense that there is a large proportion of bad characters in the poorer classes who are the majority using these drugs, especially ganja. (b) None that I know. (Vide my notes to questions 20 and 45 as regards political offences.—W. O.) 52. Pilfering is associated with excessive use of ganja and opium. 53. Not to my personal knowledge. But excessive ganja smoking certainly weakens the brain, and may thereby lead to crime. 54. Kali Puja and ganja smoking are said to be the indispensable preliminaries of a dacoity. 55. I am not aware of such cases. (I have known many cases of drugging, but none in which ganja was used. Dhatura was the ordinary agent.—W. O.) - Evidence of BABU JAGA MOHAN BHATTACHARJYA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to Commissioner, Chittagong
43. Generally so; ganja-smoking often leads to an irritable temper, and the smoker is said to have an irritable temper. 51. Bad characters, such as habitual thieves, robbers, and dacoits, are not necessarily habitual smokers of any of these drugs. But I have heard from bad characters themselves, e.g., confirmed thieves of small local gang, dacoits and way-layers that it is customary for them either to drink liquor, or to smoke ganja in one pipe, irrespective of class and creed, before going out on excursion, and that it facilitates the perpetration of the crime that need be perpetrated by desperate characters. Such occasional use is never excessive. 52. Vide above. 53. Nil. 54. Vide No. 51. 55. I have not heard of any such instance. Ganja alone, and neither bhang nor charas can produce complete stupefaction without admixture. - Evidence of BABU NAVAKUMAR CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jangipur, Murshidabad
43. Not offensive. 51. Generally rioters and bad characters are supposed to be ganja smokers. From the facts recorded on the subject, it will appear that dacoits generally smoke ganja before the commission of the crime, in order to fortify themselves for the act. Most probably such people were not excessive consumers, as they had to act with considerable deliberation and skill. 53. It is very difficult to connect the premeditation of the crime and the consumption of ganja as cause and effect. I think the premeditation is made without it, and the drug is subsequently resorted to in order to fortify the mind and body. 54. Vide answer to question 51 above. - Evidence of BABU HIRA LALL BANERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Monghyr.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. Nearly all clubmen, rioters, housebreakers, thieves, and dacoits especially in Lower Bengal, are consumers of ganja in moderation or excess. They generally have a smoke of ganja before sallying forth on an expedition. Petty thefts are often committed by people given to ganja smoking but having no means of satisfying the craving. Question 51 [oral evidence].—In this answer I am speaking of the Kbulna district, and my statement is based on my magisterial experience. It sometimes comes out in evidence that such people were in a state of intoxication from ganja. My impression is general and not derived from special enquiry into the subject. By intoxication it is meant that the men had taken enough to make them hardier, not to render them insensible. The word "nasha" might express this, it does not necessarily imply insensibility. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja is believed to incite to unpremeditated crime. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Ganja, and occasionally bhang in excess. 55. Sometimes criminals have been known to stupefy travellers on the way by inducing them to smoke ganja falsely representing it as tobacco, and then robbing their victim. Without admixture complete stupefaction cannot be induced. - Evidence of MAULAVI ABDUS SAMAD, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. (a) No. (b) I have never heard crime to have been produced by moderate or excessive use of these drugs. Experienced Police and Excise officers are of the same opinion. 53. I have never heard that unpremeditated crime has been caused by excessive indulgence in any of these drugs, nor of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. Experienced Police and Excise officers do not attribute crime to ganja or bhang. 54. These drugs have never been heard to be used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. I have never heard of a case of stupefaction by the use of any of these drugs for the purpose of committing any crime. By using a large quantity of ganja or bhang, stupefaction can be induced without any admixture. - Evidence of BABU GUNGADHAR GHOSE, Excise Deputy Collector, 24-Pargana
43. I have never seen a moderate ganja smoker to be offensive to his neighbour, except that he sometimes uses high words and talks too much under its influence. I have seen, however, some persons (occasional consumers) to be troublesome and boisterous under the influence of bhang. 51 and 52. (a) No. (b) I have never heard crime to have been produced by moderate or excessive use of these drugs. Experienced Police and Excise officers are of the same opinion. 53. I have never heard that unpremeditated crime has been caused by excessive indulgence in any of these drugs, nor of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. Experi¬ enced Police and Excise officers do not attribute crime to ganja or bhang. 54. These drugs have never been heard to be used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. I have never heard of a case of stupefac¬ tion by the use of any of these drugs for the pur¬ pose of committing any crime. By using a large quantity of ganja or bhang, stupefaction can be induced without any admixture - Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna.
51 and 52. As far as I know, there is no connection between the two. There are more criminals amongst Muhammadans than among Hindus; but I think there are more ganja smokers among Hindus than amongst Muhammadans. 53 and 54. None has come to my knowledge. - Evidence of BABU PRAKASH CHANDRA SINGHA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chandpur, Tippera.
43. Yes; they are inoffensive. Offensive men are always offensive even without the intoxication. 51 and 52. Not a large proportion; on the contrary I think very few bad characters are habitual moderate smokers of ganja. The intoxication of bhang and ganja rather produces a stupefaction and overpowering sense of fear of one's own safety. Habitual moderate smokers, of course, do not lose their mental faculties for the moment, but I do not think ganja is incentive in any way to crime. It may be found, however, that criminals sometimes take ganja, but that does not settle the question. 53. Ganja.—One case has been reported to me where an excessive habitual smoker killed his mother. The reason is that excessive indulgence tends to temporary insanity, which follows from habitual peevishness of temper and liability to sudden outbursts of passion common to smokers of this class. 54. No cases are known. 55. No cases are known. Stupefaction can be induced, but administration of ganja or bhang to a person not used to them is not easy, and opportunities are seldom found. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRANATH MOZOOMDAR, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr.
43. Certainly. 51 and 52. (a) Certainly and decidedly not. (b) No connection whatsoever in Lower Bengal. 53. No, unless the man has become insane by excessive use. I know of fourteen cases in which persons insane from excessive use of ganja commit¬ ted unpremeditated violent attacks on women passing by. I know of no other crime. I know of no case of temporary homicidal frenzy, 54. No. 55. (a) No; no authentic information on this point is available. (b) Yes, my own opinion is that this can be done. I remember to have seen such stupefaction from unadulterated but well-prepared ganja in the case of three fakirs at Hughli. One man prepared the ganja in my presence. He smoked it, and then passed it on to his fellow travellers. These latter, although warned by the preparer of the thoroughly crushed and beaten and therefore in¬ toxicating condition of the ganja, smoked it and remained stupefied—completely insensible—for over an hour. I may note that my opinion is in conflict with that of all the witnesses examined by me. - Evidence of BABU A. K. RAY, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bangaon, Jessore District.
43. Yes. 51. The proportion of bad characters who indulge in ganja or siddhi is not large. There is no marked connection between their moderate use and any crime, either general or special. 52. As the excessive use of all intoxicants deadens the moral sense and produces for the time being a loss of consciousness of dangers apprehended, ganja and siddhi, when taken in excess, probably act in the same way like the other intoxicants. 53. I do not know. 54. I have no positive knowledge. 55. Now and then cases are reported in news papers about the criminals inducing their victims to partake of siddhi to stupefy them. I do not know whether complete stupefaction can be thus induced by siddhi alone. It is suspected that more potent narcotic drugs are mixed with siddhi when so used. Siddhi, however, produces a state of helplessness, and this state may at times be taken advantage of by evil-minded persons. - Evidence of BABU KANTI BHUSHAN SEN, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector of Cuttack.
43. Yes; the moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. [I examined Mr. Gopal Hari Mullick, District Superintendent of Police (service twentynine years), and several Inspectors of Police (service twenty to thirty years).] (a) Any large proportion of bad characters are not habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. (b) The moderate use has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. Any large proportion of bad characters are not habitual excessive consumers of any of these drugs. The excessive use of the drug has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja and bhang may incite to unpremeditated crime, violence or otherwise. I do not know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. Mr. Gopal Hari Mullick (District Superintend¬ ent of Police) was examined, and he cited two cases in which violent crime was committed on sudden impulse by habitual excessive ganjasmokers. The excessive ganja smokers do not listen to friendly advice. (1) One of the adopted sons of the Raichaudhory family of Nowpara in Jessore used to smoke ganja in excess. Babu Debendra Nath Rai Chowdhory, his uncle, a respectable zamindar, used to remonstrate with him for his smoking ganja, and there was an altercation. One evening in 1887 the young man attacked his uncle with a sword and hacked him to pieces. The murderer was sentenced to transportation for life. (2) Brother of the late Babu Gopal Chandra Sen, Deputy Magistrate of Burdwan, used to consume ganja in excess. One morning his child (a baby) was crying, and he at once took hold of a hatchet, and with a single stroke severed the head of the child from its body. The man was acquitted by the Judge on the ground of temporary insanity. 54. These drugs are not generally used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. But alcoholic stimulants are so used. Those who are in the habit of smoking ganja generally smoke it before engaging in any work; not generally for committing a crime. Those that smoke ganja or drink liquor, and who are habitual criminals, or who have by nature a tendency to commit a crime, do so. 55. Criminals, in order to further their design, rarely induce their victims to consume ganja, bhang or charas, and so stupefy them. Ganja and charas are not so used. Bhang is rarely used as drink or in the form of majum given without the knowledge of the victim. In old days Thagis used to do it. I know of cases in which dhatura and strychnine were mixed with liquor to stupefy prostitutes in order to kill them or to rob them of their ornaments. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by bhang alone without admixture with dhatura seeds. If taken in a very large dose by a novice, it is possible; but the victim will not drink so much willingly. - Evidence of BABU ABHILAS CHANDRA MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal
43. Ganja-smokers, whether indulging in the drug in moderation or in excess, are anything but agreeable neighbours. Always irritable and
quarrelsome, neither age nor sex nor respectability would count for anything with them. They are incapable of bearing the mildest opposition or contradiction, though others would be expected by them to submit to their views as a matter of course. They would not shrink from insulting the most respectable and inoffensive persons on the slightest provocation or on some imaginary cause of provocation. To preserve self-respect and honour, every respectable person would do his best to avoid coming in contact with a ganjasmoker. The evil is further intensified by the fact that these ganja-smokers are always to be found in company. There is always to be found a circle of ganja-smokers in a village. They form the desperate, the badmash section of the people, and the fact that few would be willing to contradict them makes them the more arrogant and oppressive. Helps in one of his essays says that it is nevertheless a fact, though we do not generally recognise it, that the constant presence of a few bad characters in a neighbourhood brings to its more peaceful members infinitely more trouble and unhappiness than any temporary epidemic or pestilence. I think the remark is very appropriate with reference to the presence of these ganja-smokers in our villages. 51. It is difficult to say whether a large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. It can, however, be asserted that ganja-smokers are, as a rule, regarded as of a disreputable character and as being persons to be avoided by all respectable gentlemen. In civil and criminal courts, to shake the credibility of a witness, it is a frequent practice to ask him if he is a ganja-smoker. Similarly, in proceedings under the Code of Criminal Procedure for requiring a person to furnish security for his good behaviour, it often becomes relevant to enquire whether the person is a vagabond and associates himself with ganja-smokers. 52. Remarks made in answer to the preceding question apply in this case also. 53. I do not think in sober moments we have any reason to apprehend any violence from a ganjasmoker, even if he be addicted to an excessive use of the drug. But when under the influence of the drug, it is extremely dangerous to irritate him or contradict him, or do anything to provoke him. If so provoked, he would be capable of committing the most heinous crime. Several years ago there lived a man, named Radhai Haldar, within the Madaripur Sub-division of the Faridpur District. This man was an inveterate ganja-smoker. He had a son, named Prosonno, and a mother who was unable to move about on account of paralysis. Unfortunately the man lost his son Prosonno. He one day, after his son's death, held a fair of Trinath (see page 29, Bengal Excise Administration Report, 187475, where the details of this entertainment, which is also very prevalent in Dacca, Faridpur, and Backerganj, are given; the god is not Srinath, but Trinath, i.e., the Hindu Trinity of creator, destroyer and preserver) at his house. Having imbibed a strong smoke of ganja, he fancied that Trinath came to him and restored his son to life. He ordered his paralysed mother to get up and go to the place where the remains of his son Prosonno were burnt, and bring Prosonno home from that place. The mother being too much afflicted with her own disease, scolded her son, whereupon the son, with a wooden mallet, with one stroke completely smashed out her brains, and thus put an end to the life of the unfortunate woman. This man was perfectly sane before this atrocious deed, and though he afterwards feigned madness whilst in jail before trial, he tried to commit suicide, which shows that his subsequent madness was feigned, and that, repenting of the horrible crime he committed, he tried to escape the gallows by himself putting an end to his existence. 54. I do not think so. 55. I have not heard of any such case. It is not easy to induce complete stupefaction by a small quantity of ganja or bhang. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No. Those addicted to ganja smoking sometimes commit little pilfering if they cannot secure pice to pay for ganja. It is not taken as an inducement to commit heinous crimes. 53. No. 54. No. Bhang or ganja taken in any quantity never makes a man violent. 55. They do it sometimes with ganja mixed with dhatura. But liquor is frequently resorted to for such purposes. Complete stupefaction may be effected by the use of ganja in those who never used it. Opium is also sometimes mixed with it for the purpose. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CHANDRA KAR, Excise Deputy Collector, Bhagalpur
51 and 52. Only a proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja and bhang. There is no connection of moderate use of the drugs with crime. 53 and 54. No. 55. I do not know of any instance in which criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of ganja or bhang. Complete stupefaction can be obtained by bhang. Note - From my experience as a magistrate for eleven years, I am not prepared to say that there is any general connection between crime and the use of ganja, either moderate or excessive. My experience merely amounts to knowing of an occasional insane in jail whose madness was attributed to the excessive use of ganja. A.E. - Evidence of BABU RAJANI PRASAD NEOGY, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh
43. Yes. 53. No such case occurred here. 55. It is not known whether criminals stupefy their victims by these drugs. The drugs alone can stupefy persons if taken in excessive quantities. - Evidence of GHULAM LILLAHI, Excise Deputy Collector, Ranchi, District Lohardaga.
43. Yes. But they generally get an irritable temper. 51. A large proportion of bad characters use ganja. People who commit crimes harden themselves by the use of ganja. 52. The same remarks as in 51. 53. No. 54. Yes. Criminals who are addicted to ganja, fortify themselves to commit a crime by taking ganja. 55. I have heard that a class of criminals once infested the Grand Trunk Road, who used to induce their victims to take these drugs in order to rob them. Their existence in these days is not known. To effect a complete stupefaction, the drugs are made powerful by an admixture of the dhatura seeds. - Evidence of BABU SURESH CHUNDRA BAL, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Howrah.
43. Yes, moderate consumers of the drugs are seen inoffensive to their neighbours, unless the former are naturally wicked. 51 and 52. No. I find by experience that a large proportion of bad characters are men of lower and the lowest order; while a large proportion of the consumers of these drugs are men of the higher classes (this is so for the reason I have explained above). It follows, therefore, that a larger proportion of bad characters are neither habitual moderate nor habitual excessive consumers of these drugs. The moderate or excessive use of these drugs has, in my opinion, no connection with crime in general, except that, as cases have been observed, the consumers, if stupefied by the use of these drugs, are deceived and deprived of their property. Note - I do not quite agree with this. A regular ganjasmoker must have ganja, and he often prefers stealing the wherewithal to buy it than to working for it. In Assam statistics of consumers of opium who found their way into jails used to be kept. They would throw some interesting light on this subject "quasi opium.'' H. C.W 53. No. From the quality the drugs possess, as is given in materia medica and is stated below, I do not think, nor have I ever seen, excessive indulgence in any of these drugs inciting any one to a premeditated or unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. I do not know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. "Indian hemp produces a peculiar kind of intoxication, attended with exhilaration of the spirits and hallucination said to be generally of a pleasing kind. These are followed by narcotic effects, sleep and stupor." Note - The Deputy Collector is here quite wrong. Innumerable cases of homicidal frenzy have been due to excessive indulgence in ganja. There was a case in Calcutta lately where a sowar of the Maharaja of Darbhanga was concerned. H. C. W. 54. No, as far as my experience goes. Note - I think they are. H. C. W. 55. I have experience of only such instances in which persons addicted to the excessive use of these or any of these drugs have been so stupid as to sign documents extinguishing the right in their property conveyed thereby, which a man of common sense would not do without taking consideration for the same. I do not think complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs without admixture. I have heard of criminals having given some sort of drink to their victims (which made them senseless) on the false representation that the drink was made of subzi. Note - Very common, of course. H. C. W - Evidence of BABU ROY BRAHMA DUTT, * Kayasth, Excise Deputy Collector, Darbhanga. With marginal notes by Mr. H. C. Williams, Collector of Darbhanga
43. The moderate consumer of bhang is so, and there is no reason for thinking otherwise in case of ganja also. 53. In spite of inquiry I have not come to know of any such case in the district where the excessive use of ganja has led to such things. "We have no charas here nor much of bhang. - Evidence of BABU BANKU BEHARI DUTT, Excise Deputy Collector, Backergunge
43. Yes. 51. Yes, there are some bad characters among habitual moderate consumers, but I do not think the moderate use of these drugs is connected with crime in general; but excessive use of ganja sometimes produces furious delirium and renders the consumer reckless. 52. Vide above. 53.Not that I know of. 54. Yes; I should think so. 55. No, unless stupefying drugs, such as dhatura, be mixed; and sometimes criminals, in order to further their designs, administer such admixture to their victims - Evidence of BABU WOOMA CHARAN BOSE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector; Manager, Raj Banaili, District Bhagalpur.
43. Yes; they are inoffensive. 51. Except criminal tribes, I don't think other bad characters are moderate consumers. They generally go to excess in every respect, and commit theft and burglary to meet their want. It is generally found that poor ganja-smokers and opium-eaters commit theft when they are otherwise unable to meet the expenses of their habitual drugs. But the moderate use seldom, if ever, induces one to commit theft or crime in general. 52. Charas is not sold in this part of the district. Bhang is very rarely taken, and appears to be inoffensive in its nature. 53 to 55. I have no experience to answer these questions - Evidence of BABU RASIK LAL GHOSE, Court of Wards' Manager, Dinajpur.
43. They are inoffensive—certainly never so offensive as a drunkard that is a pest to the neighbours. 51. Almost all bad characters are habitual consumers of the drugs, specially of ganja. Moderate use has no more connection with crime than moderate drinking of wine or brandy. The criminal class is distinct from the class of ganja or charas-smokers. 52 and 53. The above remarks apply to these two questions. Not a single instance of temporary homicidal frenzy from ganja-smoking ever came to my notice. 54. Yes, dacoits for instance. 55. These drugs are not sufficient to stupefy a person. Dhatura is used in such cases. - Evidence of BABU GOUR DAS BYSACK, Retired Deputy Collector, Calcutta.
43. I believe so - Evidence of MR. W. SARSON, retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, formerly Abkari Superintendent, Chittagong.
53. I have known cases in which frenzy has been ascribed to ganja, but it was not enquired into. - Evidence of MR. W. M. SMITH, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.
43. Yes. 51. There is not necessarily any direct connection of crime with the consumption of hemp drugs, but a large proportion of bad characters is found to smoke ganja and the other allied drugs habitually. Sometimes a man intent upon some crime would intoxicate himself with a dose of ganja. 52. By excessive use of these drugs a man is sometimes driven to commit an act of violence or imprudence which he would not do if he were temperate in his habits. 53. Yes, it does. No such case has been observed by me personally, but I have reasons to think that such cases, though rare, do happen occasionally. 54. Yes; I believe it is sometimes so used. 55. Criminals do sometimes resort to such dodges. It is supposed that complete stupefaction cannot be induced by any of these drugs alone without the admixture of some more powerful stupefying substance. - Evidence of BABU HEM CHUNDER KERR, Kayasth, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sub-Registrar of Sealdah.
43. Yes. 51 and 52, Ganja and other preparations of the hemp plant have less connection with crime than alcohol. They are not in the way of exciting people to crime. 53. I have not known of any such case. 54. I do not think they are, except for purposes of debauchery. 55. If any one is willing to effect this he would most easily do it by opium, and I do not therefore think ganja is administered to any victims of criminals. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA NATH MOZUMDAR, Brahmin, Deputy Inspector of Excise, Darjeeling.
43. Yes. 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of BABU DIGENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Inspector of Excise, 24-Parganas.
43. The moderate ganja consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Among the habitual moderate consumers of ganja, I think the proportion of bad characters is not large. It does not appear to me that the moderate use of ganja has any connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. I do not know that the excessive use of ganja did ever lead any smoker to commit crime of the above nature. 53. I think not. I do not know. 54. I have seen latials smoke ganja, perhaps to fortify themselves to fight in an open affray (danga). 55. I am not aware of any such case. I think complete stupefaction cannot be possibly induced by smoking ganja without admixture. Question 51 [oral evidence].—I am having a kind of Criminal Biography compiled confidentially for the bad characters of the province. It is done for several thousands. I have here the figures for 1,408 bad characters. I have not selected them, but have taken all the figures for Gaya town and four other districts. These biographies were compiled quite apart from any inquiries for this Commission. Of the 1,408, I find it on record that 601 (of whom 334 are of Monghyr and 133 of Gaya) are addicted to the use of liquor, 199 (of whom 71 are in Rajshahi) are addicted to the use of ganja, 16 are said to take bhang, none are shown to take charas, 49 take opium in various forms, and 38 are stated to. take both ganja and other stimulants. The four districts are Cuttack, Monghyr, Rajshahi and Howrah. I took these districts for these reasons. In Orissa opium is mostly used, so I took Cuttack. Rajshahi is a ganja-producing district. Howrah has a large population of millhands, operatives and artizans. Monghyr is a typical Behar district, where there are a large number of men believed to lead an actively criminal life. Gaya is a great pilgrim resort. I have no information about the balance, 505. The figures I have given simply show the cases in which entries as to intoxicants were made in the biographies. These, as I have said, were not compiled in connection with any inquiry as to intoxicants. In my belief these districts are representative. The divisions represented are Orissa, Patna, Rajshahi, Bhagalpur and Burdwan. It is a matter of some importance to know whether a bad character uses intoxicants, and most police officers would note whether a man took ganja or liquor. He would not be likely to note the bhang habit unless it were to excess. But this note would depend on the personal equation of the officer, for there are no definite orders on the point. The police officer has simply to write out the best description he can of the bad character. The great majority of the cases in which these bad characters are involved will be theft and burglary. The bad characters are exclusively connected with offences against property. There is no note as to whether the consumption of these drugs or intoxicants is to excess or in moderation. In inquiries which police make, and in the reports they submit, they never discriminate between excessive and moderate use. Not in any reports I have seen. Their attention has never been drawn to this by rule. All I see in such reports is merely a statement that a man is addicted to the drug. From this I cannot judge whether he is a habitual moderate consumer or a dissolute wreck from the drug. In general, I am unable to connect professional crime (theft, burglary, dacoity) with hemp drugs in any way. I wrote on this subject to Mr. Harris, District Superintendent of Police of Gaya, an officer of twenty-eight years' service, whom I regard as having special powers of observation and special knowledge of the language and habits of the people. He says: "One hears of a madaki chor, but never of a ganja chor. I cannot call to mind any case of any kind in which it was alleged that the offence had been committed in consequence of the use of ganja, bhang or charas." I concur in this in respect to the general statement, that there is no established connection in the way of cause and effect between hemp drugs and professional crime. Question 53.—The cases to which I refer here are cases mentioned by District Superintendents of Police in reporting to me on this subject in connection with my inquiries on behalf of the Commission. I have not looked into the cases myself, and cannot say how far they are really cases of violent crime due to hemp drugs. I have not myself in the course of my duty had to inquire into, and come to a conclusion on, this question. Murders are not regarded as part of professional crime, and therefore the special reports are not sent to me. They go to the Commissioners of Divisions. I receive only special reports of professional or preventible crime. From a police point of view, murder is not a preventible offence. Therefore reports in these cases do not come to me. I merely deal with the statistics of such crime, and report on them at the end of the year - - Evidence of BABU SIR CHUNDER SOOR, Satgope, 1st Assistant Supervisor of Ganja Cultivation, Naogaon, Rajshahi.
51. The general opinion is that no large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs, and that the moderate use has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. Bad characters are said to use these drugs in Howrah, Puri, Dinajpur, Tippera, Bankura and Pabna, but there is nothing to show that they do so to a greater extent than the ordinary population of the lower classes. In some places petty thefts are reported to have been committed in order to obtain the means of purchasing the drug. Beyond this form of crime no others can in any way be directly connected with the moderate use of the drugs. Question 51. [oral evidence] — I am having a kind of Criminal Biography compiled confidentially for the bad characters of the province. It is done for several thousands. I have here the figures for 1,408 bad characters. I have not selected them, but have taken all the figures for Gaya town and four other districts. These biographies were compiled quite apart from any inquiries for this Commission. Of the 1,408, I find it on record that 601 (of whom 334 are of Monghyr and 133 of Gaya) are addicted to the use of liquor, 199 (of whom 71 are in Rajshahi) are addicted to the use of ganja, 16 are said to take bhang, none are shown to take charas, 49 take opium in various forms, and 38 are stated to. take both ganja and other stimulants. The four districts are Cuttack, Monghyr, Rajshahi and Howrah. I took these districts for these reasons. In Orissa opium is mostly used, so I took Cuttack. Rajshahi is a ganja-producing district. Howrah has a large population of millhands, operatives and artizans. Monghyr is a typical Behar district, where there are a large number of men believed to lead an actively criminal life. Gaya is a great pilgrim resort. I have no information about the balance, 505. The figures I have given simply show the cases in which entries as to intoxicants were made in the biographies. These, as I have said, were not compiled in connection with any inquiry as to intoxicants. In my belief these districts are representative. The divisions represented are Orissa, Patna, Rajshahi, Bhagalpur and Burdwan. It is a matter of some importance to know whether a bad character uses intoxicants, and most police officers would note whether a man took ganja or liquor. He would not be likely to note the bhang habit unless it were to excess. But this note would depend on the personal equation of the officer, for there are no definite orders on the point. The police officer has simply to write out the best description he can of the bad character. The great majority of the cases in which these bad characters are involved will be theft and burglary. The bad characters are exclusively connected with offences against property. There is no note as to whether the consumption of these drugs or intoxicants is to excess or in moderation. In inquiries which police make, and in the reports they submit, they never discriminate between excessive and moderate use. Not in any reports I have seen. Their attention has never been drawn to this by rule. All I see in such reports is merely a statement that a man is addicted to the drug. From this I cannot judge whether he is a habitual moderate consumer or a dissolute wreck from the drug. In general, I am unable to connect professional crime (theft, burglary, dacoity) with hemp drugs in any way. I wrote on this subject to Mr. Harris, District Superintendent of Police of Gaya, an officer of twenty-eight years' service, whom I regard as having special powers of observation and special knowledge of the language and habits of the people. He says: "One hears of a madaki chor, but never of a ganja chor. I cannot call to mind any case of any kind in which it was alleged that the offence had been committed in consequence of the use of ganja, bhang or charas." I concur in this in respect to the general statement, that there is no established connection in the way of cause and effect between hemp drugs and professional crime. 52. The consensus of opinion is that the excessive use of these drugs has but little connection with crime. There is considerable divergence of opinion regarding the excessive use of these drugs. Some few consider that the excessive use of the drugs has an enervating effect, producing incapacity, while a larger number report that it has been known to induce madness, excitability, assaults on females, suicide and murder. 53. As regards this question, opinion is also divided. Some District Superintendents are inclined to believe that the excessive use of hemp drugs does lead to the commission of unpremeditated crime, while, on the other hand, several officers hold the contrary opinion. There seems, however, little doubt but that the excessive use of ganja makes a man irritable; and there are cases on record in which murders and murderous assaults have been committed under its influence. Question 53. [oral evidence] — The cases to which I refer here are cases mentioned by District Superintendents of Police in reporting to me on this subject in connection with my inquiries on behalf of the Commission. I have not looked into the cases myself, and cannot say how far they are really cases of violent crime due to hemp drugs. I have not myself in the course of my duty had to inquire into, and come to a conclusion on, this question. Murders are not regarded as part of professional crime, and therefore the special reports are not sent to me. They go to the Commissioners of Divisions. I receive only special reports of professional or preventible crime. From a police point of view, murder is not a preventible offence. Therefore reports in these cases do not come to me. I merely deal with the statistics of such crime, and report on them at the end of the year.54. It does not appear that hemp drugs are generally used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit premeditated crimes. Several officers, however, report that they are used by lattials (club-men) and dacoits (gang robbers) to stimulate their courage when setting out on fatiguing and hazardous expeditions. 55. The general opinion is that the drugs are not used to stupefy victims preparatory to the commission of crime. There do not appear to be any instances in which these drugs have been used alone to produce stupor, and in the few cases in which its use is reported, it has been mixed with dhatura, when stupefaction is produced. Possibly the drug administered to excess will cause complete stupefaction, but it seems doubtful whether insensibility, such as is necessary for criminal purposes, can be caused by hemp drugs alone to intended victims without detection. - Evidence of MR. E. R. HENRY, Inspector General of Police, Bengal.
43. No. 51. I should say it does not influence crime one way or the other. I mean concerted crime. 53 Excessive use of ganja may incite to unpremeditated crime. - Evidence of MR. W. D. PRATT, District Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur.
43. Yes, it is said so. 51. Yes; a large proportion. But this is attributed, first, to debauchery and evil companionship resulting from the use of the drug; and, second, to the additional expenditure incurred in obtaining the nourishing food which is a necessity to a ganja smoker, and which impells him to theft, etc. 52. The same answer applies á fortiori to the excessive use of the drug; but ganja smoking as a direct cause of crime is not very commonly heard of in these districts. 53. I have mentioned the only case that I remember in my reply to question 45. 54. There is no specific information on this point, but it is supposed to be a fact in the case of dacoits and gang-robbers. 55. I do not know of any instance. - Evidence of MR. W. C. FASSON, District Superintendent of Police, Bogra.
43. Yes. 51. (a) No. (b) Nil. 52. Yes, ganja makes a man irritable and headstrong, and leads the excessive smoker to any sort of rash doing. 53. Yes, excessive indulgence in ganja incites a man to unpremeditated crime, the effects of rashness and violence of temper caused by smoking it. 54. No. This might be said of liquor. 55. (a) No. (b) No. - Evidence of MR. F. H. TUCKER, District Superintendent of Police, Dinajpur.
43. Generally the moderate smokers are not as offensive as those who go to excess, yet even they occasionally become offensive to their neighbours, and especially to the members of their family, and when he is in need of means to purchase ganja, he will sell off or pledge the household utensils to purchase ganja. 51. There is not a large proportion of bad characters who are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs. They may have some connection with hurt cases and sometimes with petty thefts to enable them to purchase ganja. 52. Some of the habitual excessive smokers of ganja are occasionally known to commit culpable homicide or grievous hurt. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja does incite to violent crime. I know of a case where a smoker suddenly murdered a vendor because he would not supply him with more ganja. 54. I have heard of ganja being used to fortify the courage of criminals about to commit premeditated acts of violence. 55. I do not know that ganja was ever used to stupefy the intended victims by criminals. I have known cases where it has been mixed with dhatura seed for purposes of crime. This is generally practised on prostitutes prior to robbing them.Question 52.—I have recollection of a case in which a man set fire to a house under the influence of the cravings for ganja, after the immediate effects had passed off. One case of this kind occurred in the Nadia district. The case was reported to me as having happened some years before, and I was not concerned in dealing with it myself. Another similar case occurred in the Pabna district in 1892, and I think it appeared at the trial that the case had arisen out of ganja smoking. In this case the man was convicted. The case occurred in 1892, and was tried by the senior Deputy Magistrate of Pabna. The only case of culpable homicide which has come within my knowledge is that mentioned in answer 53. It occurred in the Rajshahi district in 1892. The case was tried in the Sessions Court, and the offender was sentenced to five years' rigorous imprisonment. I think the motive was mentioned in the judgment; it certainly was in the Police papers. I know a case in which a notorious ganja smoker burnt his child and hacked it about. This occurred recently. When under trial for torture of his child, he went back to his house and hacked his wife and her father with a knife, and killed another man who came to their rescue. He was then on bail. He was tried for the murder, and convicted and transported for life. I know he was a very violent man, and I attribute a great deal of his violence to his habit of ganja smoking. He was an habitual excessive smoker. This case occurred in the Rajshahi district two months ago. I have not seen the judgment in the case. The man was daftri of the District Engineer, but I do not know his name. I have no recollection of any other case. My meaning in answer 52 is that when ganja consumers do commit crime, I attribute it to the craving after the effects of a dose have passed off, if the man is crossed. Such crimes committed by other persons may be attributed to a special motive. If in the ganja smoker's case I found a sufficient motive, I should not hold the ganja responsible. The case I have described above is the only one in which I have authentic information of a man making a violent assault with a dangerous weapon upon an adverse witness. I should not have been more astonished to hear of the case if the man had not been a ganja smoker than I was under the circumstances. Question 54.—I have heard from confessing prisoners that ganja is taken by lathials, dacoits, and such persons to, fortify themselves. I do not think a man would take liquor for the same purpose. I have asked Doms and Dosadhs and other up-country people whether they take liquor for this purpose, and they have told me that they do not. These classes are mostly chaudkidars. These men take bhang as well as liquor. I do not think they would take bhang before committing an act of premeditated violence. One of these men, who was not a ganja smoker, would not take ganja as an experiment, but he would take it if he were a smoker for the exhilarating effect. That is to say, ganja is considered a superior intoxicant than liquor. I look upon bhang as almost harmless and a much less potent intoxicant than ganja. An up-country man would not take it, nor would a Bengali ganja smoker. The former does not take stimulant at all before committing a premeditated act of violence unless he is a ganja smoker, and the latter would prefer his ganja. It may be that the up-country man has not the same necessity for Dutch courage. - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.
43. No. They are always troublesome, except one or two per cent. 53. I know of two cases in which two ganja smokers committed murders—one for gain and the other in heat of provocation. - Evidence of BABU MATHURA MOHAN SIRKAR, Inspector of Police, Jhenida, District Jessore.
43. Yes, so far as my experience goes. 51 and 52. (a) Can't say. (b) None to my knowledge; but it stands to reason that the habitual ganja smoker is no more reliable than a habitual drunkard; both habits blunt the moral sense. 53. Under the influence of both ganja and bhang serious crime has been known, though none such have come under my personal notice. 54. Habitual smokers and drinkers would, of course, resort to their favourite beverages before committing any crime or act of violence. This indulgence would give them the necessary amount of Dutch courage. 55. (a) None such have come under my personal notice. Have heard of this being practised of pilgrims. (b) Yes; especially if given to those not used to either drug. - Evidence of MR. H. P. WYLLY,* Government Agent at Keonjhar, Orissa.
43. Ganja smokers are generally avoided by their neighbours; they are of very uncertain temper, and the term "ganja smoker" is used as an abuse. 51. There are very few criminals among the moderate consumers. I should say moderate consumption of ganja or bhang has no connection with crime generally, or crime of a special character. 52. Excessive consumption of both ganja and bhang leads in all probability to crime, the consumers not being responsible for their actions owing to the intoxicating effects. Usually crimes of a daring nature, and those attended by violence, are committed by ganja consumers. 53. Yes; the slightest provocation would incite acts of violence wholly unpremeditated. I know of no case in which excessive indulgence in these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy; but, of course, insanity caused by excessive consumption of ganja produces the disease, invariably attended with great violence. 54. Yes; such cases have been known. 55. Yes. I have heard of such instances though none have come under my own observation. Complete stupefaction can be induced by bhang if taken in sufficient quantity. - Evidence of Mr. W. R. RICKETTS,* Manager, Nilgiri State, Tributary Mahals, Orissa.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. (a) No. (b) No connection. 53. No. I do not know of any such case. 54. No. 55. Yes; they do it occasionally. I do not know. - Evidence of BABU JADUBCHANDRA CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar.
43. Not always. 51. Habitual poor ganja smokers are in many cases found addicted to theft from sheer necessity. 53. It does sometimes. - Evidence of BABU GIRINDRA MOHAN CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Munsiff, Comilla (Tippera).
43. Yes; the moderate consumers are undoubtedly inoffensive to their neighbours in comparison with the moderate drinkers of alcohol in an Indian climate. 51. No. No connection. 52. Yes. 53. Yes. I know of no case in which excessive use has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes; only ganja is used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit premeditated act of violence. 55. Yes; the complete stupefaction can be made by this drug (ganja) in case of those who are not accustomed at all to the drug. - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.
43. Inoffensive. 51 and 52. Only a small proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers. There is no connection of use of ganja and bhang with crime. 53. No, none. 54. No. 55. I am not aware of any such cases. Complete stupefaction can be induced by both ganja and bhang. - Evidence of BABU HARA GOPAL DUTTA, Kayasth, Retired Excise Daroga, Mymensingh.
43. Yes; they are. 54. I have heard that criminals fortify themselves by smoking ganja before committing an act of violence. 55. I have heard two or three such cases of murder accompanied with stupefaction by bhang and dhatura seeds, and I think these cases were tried in the High Court within the last five years. - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta
43. Moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. Many of the bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. 54. Dakaits and robbers generally use ganja to fortify themselves to commit crimes with act of violence. - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.
43. No; only exceptionally. 51 to 53. Much of the violent assaults and all the cases of "amok" that came under my notice in connection with insanity were committed by ganja-smokers. And most often as the result of a single excessive debauch even in those accustomed to the moderate use of the drug. In these cases the crime was unpremeditated and the criminal subsequently appeared to be oblivious of the circumstances. I have known many cases of temporary homicidal frenzy produced in these ways. Question 51. [oral evidence] — I draw no distinction between cases of violence due to ganja and cases due to insanity attributable to ganja. I regard objectless crime resulting from ganja as a form of insanity, as it would be regarded in the case of delirium tremens. It is so regarded medically. The ganja habit, no doubt, gives rise to an irascible state of mind, which state of mind renders a man more likely to commit acts of violence even when he is not under the immediate intoxicating influence of the drug. Cases arising from such irritability would come before me as attributed to ganja. But when I wrote my answer to question 51, I had also in my mind a second class of cases due to the maniacal excitement produced by ganja intoxication. I did not distinguish between these two classes. This maniacal excitement is insanity—temporary insanity produced by intoxication. My answer is based on my Dacca Asylum experience, though I cannot specifically state any other than the case mentioned in the end of my supplementary memorandum, and I have a recollection of one other. The Dacca Asylum books would show these cases. I have also had cases before me in connection with the Standing Committee on insane criminals. The cases that come before this Committee are about forty per annum, and about ten would have a history of ganja, more or less reliable. If there is a history of ganja, the period of detention is longer, and the criminal also has a period of probation (with access to the bazars) to see if he has overcome the habit. Therefore the matter is carefully considered. These special measures would have to be taken if the man had a ganja history. Whether his crime was due to ganja or not, that would not affect our procedure. The question with us is whether the man ever took ganja; not whether the crime was due to ganja. I cannot tell at all in what proportion of cases the crime was attributable to ganja.54. I am not in a position to answer this question. 55. I believe that complete oblivion can be produced by hemp, and not always accompanied by maniacal excitement. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A. CROMBIE, M.D., SurgeonSuperintendent, General Hospital, Calcutta.
43. Of ganja—Yes. 54. Bhang—Possibly. Ganja—Probably not. 55. Bhang.—Yes; can cause complete stupefaction, especially if dhatura or opium be mixed with it. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. G. RUSSELL, Civil Surgeon, Darjeeling.
43. Yes. 53. In some cases it appears to do so. The following are found in the asylum books:— On the 27th of May 1873 Ramdin Gwalla was admitted for acute mania caused by bhang. On the 27th of March 1873 he suddenly became insane and murdered one of his neighbours and wounded three other persons with a sword. On 17th September 1893, Paturat Malar was admitted for toxic insanity caused by ganja. He suddenly became insane and murdered a child. On a previous occasion he had attacked a woman with an axe. Admits smoking ganja. It must, however, be stated that sudden attacks of homicidal mania occur without the use of ganja. - Evidence* of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. BOVILL, Officiating Civil Surgeon of Patna and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.
43. Yes. 51. No; the great majority are respectable poor persons. None. 52. I am not aware that there is any connection of the excessive use of these drugs with crime, except in the case referred to in paragraph 53. 54. I do not know. 55. I do not know. I should think if a large enough dose were given complete stupefaction might be induced by this drug without admixture - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. COBB, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Dacca.
43. I believe so, so far as bhang is concerned. - Evidence of DR. S. J MANOOK, Civil Medical Officer, Singhbhum
43. The moderate consumers are inoffensive. 51. Habitual moderate consumers of the drugs are not known to be specially addicted to crime, but bad characters may use these drugs equally with other narcotics. 52. The excessive use of the drugs is common among badmashes. 53. People indulging in excessive use of ganja may become violent and commit crimes. They are sometimes affected with homicidal frenzy and run amuck. 54. Yes. They sometimes do it. 55. Ganja and charas cannot be easily administered to others without their knowledge. Criminals sometimes induce their intended victims to take siddhi so as to make them insensible to facilitate commission of crime. In large doses siddhi alone may produce profound sleep - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon RAI TARAPROSANNA RAI BAHADUR, Baidya, Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta
43. Generally speaking, moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KANNY LOLL DEY, C.I.E., late Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta
43. Yes. 53. I do not know of any case in which excessive indulgence in any of these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes. 55. Yes; sometimes done. Invariably mixed with dhatura seeds for the purpose. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON UPENDRA NATH SEN, Officiating Civil Medical Officer, Malda.
43. No, even moderate consumers are repulsive. 51. Ganja-smokers generally commit petty thefts when they are in need of pice for the purchase of ganja. 52. The same. 55. Yes, stupefaction by ganja may be induced without admixture. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON BOSONTO KUMAR SEN, in Civil Medical Charge, Bogra
43. Yes. 51. Habitual moderate consumers of ganja are not bad characters. They do not generally commit any crime while under its influence. 52. The excessive use of the drug ganja generally leads to the commission of crime or any other Social violence. 53. I have no experience of the occurrence of any particular case. 54. No. 55. It may occur, but I have no personal knowledge of any particular case. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON NORENDRA NATH GUPTA, Baidya, in Civil Medical charge, Rangpur
43. Yes. 51. Not that I do know of. As far as my experience goes, the moderate use of these drugs has little or no connection with crime. 52. I cannot remember of any definite case. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja does incite to violent crime. I know of a certain individual who came from a good family, and who contracted the habit of smoking ganja very early. At last he became insane. One day, after he had taken ganja he attacked a female relation of his, and killed her. On judicial enquiry he was found to be insane, and thus escaped the extreme penalty of law. 54. I have heard so. 55. Not that I know of. Complete stupefaction cannot be produced by preparations of hemp unless the quantity be very large, which itself will produce suspicion in the mind of the intended victim. In McLeod's book of Medico Legal Experience, page 115, only one case of death from bhang poisoning is mentioned. It was reported from Benares, but the issue of this case was not stated in the original. Majum, a preparation of bhang by boiling it in milk, and sweetmeats prepared with that milk. Two cases of poisoning by it are reported from Hoshangabad by Dr. P. Cullen in the "Indian Medical Gazette" for June 1868. It was not administered with the intention of causing death, but to effect a criminal purpose. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon CHOONEY LALL DASS, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence and Therapeutics, Medical School, Dacca
43. Yes. 51. Not that I do know of. As far as my experience goes, the moderate use of these drugs has little or no connection with crime. 52. I cannot remember of any definite case. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja does incite to violent crime. I know of a certain individual who came from a good family, and who contracted the habit of smoking ganja very early. At last he became insane. One day, after he had taken ganja he attacked a female relation of his, and killed her. On judicial enquiry he was found to be insane, and thus escaped the extreme penalty of law. 54. I have heard so. 55. Not that I know of. Complete stupefaction cannot be produced by preparations of hemp unless the quantity be very large, which itself will produce suspicion in the mind of the intended victim. In McLeod's book of Medico Legal Experience, page 115, only one case of death from bhang poisoning is mentioned. It was reported from Benares, but the issue of this case was not stated in the original. Majum, a preparation of bhang by boiling it in milk, and sweetmeats prepared with that milk. Two cases of poisoning by it are reported from Hoshangabad by Dr. P. Cullen in the "Indian Medical Gazette" for June 1868. It was not administered with the intention of causing death, but to effect a criminal purpose - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON DEVENDRANATH ROY, Brahmin, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence, Campbell Medical School, Calcutta.
43. The moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. Moderate consumption of any of these drugs is not confined to bad characters. The consumers are scarcely known to have committed any crime in general or of any special character. 53. No. 55. The criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of these drugs and so stupefy them; but complete stupefaction cannot, perhaps, be induced by any of these drugs without admixture. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON AKBAR KHAN, Teacher, Temple Medical School, Patna
43. Generally inoffensive, but some persons become cross and quarrelsome and mischievous. 51. I should think that a comparatively large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. Theft, gambling, and crimes which require cunning, shrewdness, fearlessness and premeditation are generally committed by this class of ganja-smokers. To smoke in company is one of the characteristics of ganja-smoking. If there be criminal minds in the company, every one of the members imbibe their criminal propensities, and slight causes, such as want of money, sense of insult, love of wicked amusement, fire them to commit theft, gambling, assault, and like crimes. 52. The same as above with this difference, that the subject becomes more cross-tempered and ready to do acts of violence, according to the individual temperament of the consumer. 53. I know of no case in which consumers of hemp drugs in excessive quantities were led to commit unpremeditated crimes. 54. Yes, many do so. Thieves and riotous people are often heard to smoke ganja before starting. 55. Criminals rarely use ganja to stupefy their victims. Bhang is said to have been sometimes so used. Perhaps the smell of ganja is a great bar. The unaccustomed may be completely stupefied by a large draught of bhang or by one hard pull of ganja. Those who are accustomed to the drug cannot, however, be so stupefied unless dhatura or some such drugs are mixed with ganja - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SOORJEE NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Bankipur.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours; but all the same they are ever dreaded and never trusted, for they may break into violence any moment by taking an extra dose. None are safe who have got a consumer in their midst. I say this of ganja and charas smoker especially. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja and siddhi. Moderate use deadens the moral faculty. Excessive use excites the will-power to a high pitch, and a man may commit any act of daring while so excited. 54. Yes. These drugs have the peculiar property of helping abstraction and concentration of forces, both mental and physical. If a man wants to concentrate his mind to a special subject or wants to bring all his engergies to bear upon the performance of a certain act, he smokes ganja. While under its influence he forgets everything else; all responsibilities gone, his conscience and reasoning powers are laid at rest. He acts with vigour as if not his own, for there is no dissipation of energies. I have had no instances. A gang of dacoits would consume their ganja before they start on their business. A man is bent upon taking revenge on his adversary; he is weak and timid; he smokes his ganja and is in a moment turned to a ferocious being. Question 54 [oral evidence].—The whole of this answer is hearsay. I have no experience of the criminal part of the answer. The rest is based on the statements of the Chittagong ganja-smokers. Question 55 [oral evidence].—I have no experience about this. It is merely hearsay - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon HARI MOHAN SEN, Baidya, Chittagong
43. Yes. 51. Habitual moderate ganja consumers are not bad characters. Moderate consumers do not generally commit any crime while under its influence. 52. The excessive use of the drug generally leads to the commission of crime or any other social violence. 53. I have no experience of the occasion of any particular case. 54. No. 55. It may occur, but I have no personal knowledge of any particular case - Evidence of BABU DURGA DASS LAHIRI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Rangpur.
43. As a rule they are inoffensive enough, but liable to sudden and uncontrollable fits of temper, which in the chronic excessive smoker makes him a quarrelsome and unprincipled neighbour. 51. Ganja-smoking demoralises the smoker and slackens his moral fibre; but although they are untrustworthy, still I do not find them largely as a class given to crime. I would class them next to opium-smokers in this respect. The tendency is to make them reckless, and in times of great scarcity or under temptation the ganja-smoker would yield to temptation before the ordinary nonsmoker. It does not incite to crime directly, but the ranks of crime would be more easily recruited from ganja-smokers than from those who are not demoralised by its use. 52. The smoker who uses the drug to excess will ruin his home by selling off his goats, cows, and effects rather than do without it. He thus becomes its slave, and may be induced by the craving to steal to supply his wants. 53. I have instanced under question 45 a case which occurred in this district. 54. I am told that that is the general impression among the people. 55. I cannot say. Yes; deep coma follows a strong draught of an infusion of ganja, but I have never heard of it being used alone for criminal purposes. - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia.
43. Even moderate smokers get intoxicated, and their rude behaviour makes them repulsive to their neighbours. Question 43.[oral evidence] — If a man loses the even tenor of his temper I consider him intoxicated. A man loses his understanding to some extent when intoxicated. Moderate smokers become intoxicated in this manner. I have seen men lose their temper after smoking their usual quantity. Intoxication consists in a man's brain becoming congested and his losing the balance of his mind. I have seen moderate smokers become intoxicated from their usual dose, perhaps because they had empty stomachs or were not in good health. This intoxication is not analogous to alcoholic intoxication, but of a different kind. My answer 44 describes a certain degree of this intoxication. 51. Nearly all bad characters are ganja-smokers. To harden one's self to a career of vice, to deaden conscience, and to produce boldness in the face of danger, persons take to ganja-smoking. There is no crime which ganja cannot assist. Thieves, robbers and adulterers are nearly all ganja smokers. 52. Bad characters at first commence with moderate quantities. But as they grow in vice, they also become immoderate, as they require a greater quantity to drown their conscientious scruples. 53. I have recently read of a criminal alleging as his plea that he was under intoxication by ganja-smoking. Other cases of this kind have also been heard. 54. Most badmashes smoke ganja before performing their premeditated acts of crime. It stimulates their powers, gives them energy for action, deadens their conscience, and makes them reckless. Robbers, after committing their crimes, enjoy themselves in a party to forget the pangs of conscience. 55. Cases have been heard that bad characters in railways or inns form acquaintance with their victims and induce them to partake sweetmeats, and, when perfectly insensible, they rob them of all their properties. These drugs produce complete stupefaction and have been administered to produce sleep. Question 51 [oral evidence].—I have been an Honorary Magistrate for seven or eight years, but in that capacity I have not seen any cause to connect ganja with crime. Many of my neighbours smoked ganja and committed crimes. Many of the observations in answers 51 to 55 are mere hearsay, and I made enquiries from villagers who told me there were ganja-smokers in their villages who were also bad characters. I don't remember that any of my neighbours who committed crimes went to jail. I mean such crimes as abusing others and extorting money from others and going to beat them. I only know of one man who extorted money, and he lived in the same "para" as myself in Jessore when I was a child. Some of my neighbours in Bogra may have committed crimes, but I know no particular person who has committed a crime. - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra.
43. Yes; they are. 51. Instances are absolutely wanting to establish connection between hemp and crime. The badmashes of Mirzapur, who devote most of their time in gambling, and pick a quarrel with innocent people, are habitual bhang-drinkers and charas and ganja smokers. But they do not use the drug for any special purpose. They use it as a social necessity, just as tobacco used by the Bengali Babus. 52. Living examples can be had of men using ganja of two rupees worth daily for forty or fifty years and retaining their faculities in perfect order. Some of these men belong to the highclass gentlemen commanding respect in society. 54. No; never. These drugs are not even reputed to possess such power. 55. Yes; sometimes such attempts have been made by criminals. Large quantities are necessary to produce complete stupefaction, but total stupefaction can never be produced by hemp drugs. Question 51 [oral evidence].—I mean that in quarters e and g of Bara Bazar, assaults and petty offences of violence are extremely common, and that I have failed altogether to discover that the hemp drugs had any connection with them. The "badmashes of Mirzapur" are people who have come down from the North-Western Provinces and taken up their quarters in this part of the city of Calcutta. Question 52 [oral evidence].—It is not an exaggerated statement that living examples can be seen of men taking Rs. 2 worth of ganja daily. They are sadhus and sanyasis, and people take pleasure in treating them liberally when they come down to Calcutta. I know several of these men who have consumed as much as Rs. 2 a day. Last year I made enquiries of a sadhu in connection with a case of alleged insanity that had occurred in a man who was said to have learnt the habit from him. The sadhu told me that he had been taking ganja for the last forty or fifty years, ever since he was a child, and that he could take as much as Rs. 2 or Rs. 3 worth a day. I know four cases among respectable people, Marwari gentlemen, one of whom told me that each of them spent Rs. 2 a day on hemp. I cannot say that they used this amount themselves, but the information was given to me by one of the members who has supplied me with a good deal of the information contained in my paper. - Evidence of KAILAS CHUNDRA BOSE, Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. Yes; criminals who resort to these drugs have their moral sense blunted, and are very often led to commit crimes with a view to obtain the money requisite in satisfying their created wants and vicious desires and propensities. 53 and 54. Yes. 55. Yes; people are sometimes induced to smoke charas and are rendered insensible, and their things are thus robbed. Very often dhatura is mixed with it to induce complete stupefaction. Complete insensibility and stupefaction may be thus induced by ganja and charas without any admixture. - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.
43. No; even they also sometimes prove offensive. 51. Yes; most of the bad characters are consumers of hemp drugs. 53. I know there was a Muhammadan in this district some twenty years ago, who was an excessive habitual ganja-smoker. All the Muhammadans of the district would call him a fakir and had great respect for the man. They believed that the man had some superhuman powers. He had consequently lots of disciples, who would supply him with ganja and food. One day one of his disciples was late in bringing him his usual smoke. He got annoyed and in his frenzy gave one or two cuts with his dhaw (an instrument of cutting), of which he died instantly. 55. I don't think complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture. - Evidence of NIMAI CHARAN DAS,* Vaidya, Medical Practitioner, Chittagong
51. Dhatura is mixed with bhang to increase its effects for personal consumption and in cases where it is necessary to put any person into trouble. 52. Ganja in the form of chur is drunk with bhang to increase its effects - Evidence of NOCOOR CHANDER BANERJI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bhagalpur.
43. Yes. 53. The excessive indulgence in ganja leads to excitement and loss of self-control; and under such circumstances crimes may be committed. 54. Dacoits are said to use ganja and bhang for such purposes. 55. Yes; those who are not accustomed to these drugs would be stupefied if they are made to partake of them. - Evidence of ANNADA PRASANNA GHATAK, M.B., Private Medical Practitioner, Arrah.
I am not prepared to accept the opinion that ganja smoking or bhang drinking are doing great injury to the moral tone of our society. I believe that more misery, distress, poverty, and untimely deaths amongst the population of the country are produced by the wide-spread sale of spirits and liquors than by the consumption of ganja or opium, or by the both. Before any legislative measures are taken for stopping the sale of ganja or opium, or before any step is taken to increase its duty, it is imperative on Government to appoint a Commission to enquire into the wide-spread belief that our country is suffering more from the evils of easily accessible Europe wine shops and country liquor stalls than those arising from the sale of ganja or opium. In well-informed circles, it is considered almost a truth, that the moral tone of our society has undergone a change for the worse since, owing to the increase in the number of shops, the public have improved facilities for obtaining liquor and spirits; and the people fear that if Government restricts the sale of ganja, opium or bhang, many of them are sure to contract the vice of drinking, which, in their estimation, is a worse evil than the existing ones. - Evidence of RAKHAL DAS GHOSH, Private Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.
43. Yes. 51. Of course a great majority of moderate habitual consumers of ganja are low and vulgar, though not bad characters. The moderate users of ganja are not generally injurious or criminals. 52. Large portion of bad characters are habitual excessive consumers of ganja. Its excessive use may make a man violent in temper and such a person may possibly be induced to commit crimes of dacoity, rioting or other offences of violence. 53. Sometimes the excessive consumption of ganja and charas may incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. No; I do not know of any case. 54. Such cases are very rare. 55. No; complete stupefaction cannot be effected without admixture of other strong ingredients - Evidence of BIJOYA RATNA SEN*, Kaviranjan, Kabiraj, Calcutta.
43. Moderate consumers who use bhang in obedience to the biddings of Sastra may be inoffensive to their neighbours. - Evidence* of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District
43. Excepting that consumers of bhang and ganja are liable to be more easily offended than others, they are, generally speaking, inoffensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. A large proportion of bad characters is either moderate or excessive consumers of these drugs. The consumption of these narcotic drugs has no direct connection with crimes of any general or specific character. 53. Yes. I know of no case. 55. Yes, but complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture. - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. A large proportion of bad characters is either moderate or excessive consumers of these drugs. The consumption of these narcotic drugs has no direct connection with crimes of any general or specific character. 53. Yes. I know of no case. 55. Yes, but complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture. - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
43. The moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 54. Some of the criminals use these drugs to make themselves strong to commit act of violence or other vices. 55. Criminals in order to carry out their evil designs induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs and so stupefy themselves. Complete stupefaction can be made without admixture. - Evidence of RAJA MAHIMA RANJAN ROY CHOWDHRY, Zamindar, Kakina, Rangpur.
It is of course true that most bad characters are ganja-smokers. But whether their vicious tendencies have induced them to take to ganjasmoking or the blame of their moral deterioration is to be attributed to the indulgence in this habit, I cannot say. However, I cannot fully believe that ganja is so much responsible for crime as that criminals make use of ganja as a necessary sedative after, or a stimulant before, the commission of crime. - Evidence of RAJA SURJYA KANTA ACHARJYA, BAHADUR, Zamindar, Mooktagacha, Mymensingh.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive. 53. Excessive use of ganja incites unpremeditated crime. - Evidence of RAI RADHA GOVINDA RAI, SAHIB BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.
43. Yes. Why moderate, even the excessive consumers also are inoffensive to their neighbours, while the man who would drink a glass of liquor goes out into the street to fight with the innocent people. 51. No. 52. Yes, a large proportion of bad characters are excessive consumers of ganja. The crime of theft generally is the special character of an excessive ganja smoker. 53 and 54. No. 55. No. The matter related in questions 53, 54 and 55 rather relates to the habit of drinking liquors - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RADHA BALLAV CHOWDHURI, BAIDYA, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sherpur Town, Mymensingh District
43. Yes, moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. In towns a large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. I do not think that there is any connection between the moderate use of ganja and crime in general, but the advantage of the use of the drug is that they can talk and consult matters in adda freely, and the use of the drug stimulates a little. The consumers of ganja generally commit petty thefts. 52. The excessive use of ganja has the tendency to make the consumer lazy and inactive. 53. The excessive indulgence of any of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. I do not know any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy 54. Yes. 55. I have no personal experience, but I have heard that criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of bhang or siddhi mixed with sherbet and so stupefy themselves. Complete stupefaction cannot be thus induced by this drug without admixture - Evidence of BABU HARI KRISHNA MAZUMDAR, Baidya, Zamindar, Islampur, District Murshidabad.
43. Yes. 51. As regards bhang, no. As regards ganja, it is no doubt a fact that many bad characters are habitual moderate (rather excessive) consumers of ganja, but there is no connection with their crime and ganja consuming. It is the bad characters who have betaken themselves to ganja consuming, but not the ganja consuming which has made them bad characters. 53. As regards bhang, no. 54. No (refers to bhang and ganja); but they may use ganja as stimulant. 55. Complete stupefaction not possible from ganja or bhang without admixture of dhatura, etc. - Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur.
43. Yes. They are unlike the consumers of alcoholic stimulants. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are consumers of some of these drugs. A habitual moderate consumer, when unable to afford to pay for the drug he is used to take, often takes to petty thefts. I do not see any connection it has with crime in general. 52. Occasional excessive use seems to be in some way connected with violent crimes. The effect of excessive use is to stupefy the consumer for the time being, when he could not be held responsible for his actions. 53. Yes, the excessive use of ganja only. 54. Ganja may be used in this way. But I do not know of any such cases. 55. Yes, but complete stupefaction is impossible unless the drug is mixed with dhatura or any other ingredients. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRA NATH PAL CHOWDHURY, Zamindar, Ranaghat, District Nadia.
43. I have never seen any ganja and bhang smoker or drinker to be offensive to his neighbours. 51. No. 53. It never incites unpremeditated crime. It never excites to homicidal crime. 54. No. 55. No stupefication is caused by these drugs. - Evidence of BABU GIRJAPAT SAHAI, Kayasth, Zamindar, Patna.
43. They are so. 51. I think not. So far as my experience goes, I don't think the use of this drug tends to produce a passion for crimes in general or special. 52. Excessive use of ganja has the effect of fortifying one in the commission of bold and rash premeditated acts of crime. The same might be said with regard to alcoholic drinks. 53. My answer is in the negative. I do not know of any case in which it has led to such a frenzy. 54. Criminals who are accustomed to the use of ganja do use it for such a purpose. 55. Complete stupefaction does not result in ganja without admixture of dhatura, etc - Evidence of BABU RADHIKA CHURN SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar, Berhampur
43. Undoubtedly. 51 and 52. So far as my observations go, I do not believe that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate or excessive consumers of hemp drugs, nor does there appear to be any special connection between crime and these drugs. 53. Excessive indulgence in these drugs may lead to the committal of unpremeditated crime, but then it would be properly due to temporary insanity caused by such indulgence. I am not, however, aware of any instance of it or of the use of homicidal mania following the excessive indulgence of hemp drugs. 54. I am not aware of any of these drugs being used by criminals for the purpose mentioned in this question. 55. I believe some instances may be found in the records of our police courts of the use of these drugs by criminals for the purpose mentioned in this question. Complete stupefaction may be produced by excessive doses of the drugs in persons not habituated to them, but various degrees of helplessness, short of complete stupefaction, may be enough for the purposes of the criminals. I do not, however, believe that such cases are very common. - Evidence of BABU RUGHU NANDAN PRASADHA, Zamindar, Patna
43. The moderate consumers of these drugs are never known to be offensive to their neighbours. 51, 52, 53. There does not appear that any special kind of crime or crimes in general has any connection with the use of these drugs, either moderate or excessive. I know of no case in which the use of these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore
43. As far as I am aware, moderate consumers of ganja, bhang and charas are inoffensive to their neighbours. - Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore
43. Ganja-smokers are invariably considered men of rash and impetuous character. 51. I can say that most of the bad characters are ganja-smokers; and it is ganja that makes them impetuous and bold to perpetrate the foul actions they commit. 52. I believe they grow up more fierce and turbulent by the excessive use of ganja. 53. I believe on the affirmative. 54. I think they do. 55. I have experience of such cases. - Evidence of BABU JAGAT KISHOR ACHARJEA CHAUDHURI, Brahmin, Zamindar, Muktagacha, District Mymensingh.
43. Yes. 51. Yes; they use ganja. Its moderate use has no connection with any crime. 53. Yes, I know of no such case. 55. Seldom. Complete stupefaction can only be induced when the drug is mixed with some other thing - Evidence of BABU KAMALESWARI PERSAD, Zamindar, Monghyr.
43. Yes, they are inoffensive. 51. It is supposed by many that bad characters are generally consumers of ganja, and in few cases they are addicted to other narcotic. They use ganja to refresh themselves before they attempt to commit any crime. This opinion is general or common amongst the natives. 52. The same as above. 53. I found no case to suppose that excessive indulgence in using ganja or bhang incites to any unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, I know no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. They do so, but not in all cases. 55. I am aware that criminals do sometimes try to stupefy their victims, but I cannot say whether they do this by means of these drugs. The impression prevails that they use dhatura for this purpose. Latter part I cannot answer. - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar, District Dacca.
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are inoffensive, but not so the ganja and charas consumers. 51. Many bad characters are so. As regards connection with crime, I do not know. 52. I cannot do so. 53. I think so, but I do not know any case. 54, 55 and 56. I do not know. - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore
43. Yes; they are. 51. About 50 per cent. of the bad characters are habitual consumers of ganja. No connection with crime. 52. The excessive use makes men irritable, and induces them to commit offences against persons. 53. Excessive use of ganja makes men irritable, and may lead to violent crime. No case has come to my notice. 54. No, not here; but it is used in big towns, where there are hardened criminals. 55. Not here. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture with dhatura. - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
51. Yes, a large proportion of the licentious people of the lower class use ganja and bhang. The moderate habitual use has no connection with crime in general, but it is nearly connected with lust. 52. The excessive use of these drugs makes men immoral. It leads—rather compels—men to do all sorts of crimes, e.g., theft, debauchery, etc., etc. 53. Yes, it leads to unpremeditated crime too. 54. Yes, people before committing a premeditated act of violence are often seen to consume ganja. 55. Yes, licentious people generally induce their victims to smoke ganja in order to further their designs. Many such examples are known to me - Evidence of SYAD ABDUL JABBAR, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. Very likely. Moderate use of any of these drugs has no connection, I think, with any crime. Nor, I think, excessive use even has any necessary connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. I cannot induce myself to believe that ganja or any other drug is more connected with any crime than alcoholic stimulant. All intoxicating things have their excesses leading to fits of temporary insanity. It cannot be denied that, under such states, crimes are committed; but these are, I should say, rather exceptional cases. In many cases of heinous crimes, such as murder, rape, etc., fits of insanity are often seen to be raised as a plea in defence, and in cases of such plea the aid of ganja smoking is almost invariably invoked in, and medical evidence also is often found to have a leaning towards it. But I have grave doubts as to the truth of these as one of general exception. It is, however, an admitted fact that ganja smoking is becoming associated with insanity and murder and such other crimes and there seems to be a growing tendency in some circles to give undue weight to this association, which is perhaps more imaginary than real. It is in the nature of men always to find fault with others, specially when they are weak, and ascribe every occurrence to some known or unknown cause. From this natural weakness they become prejudiced against the latter as a class on the basis of something, perhaps real, originally which might have occurred as mere accident, but which subsequently, forming a ground of belief, serves to strengthen their predilection and fanciful bias. Ganja smoking is admittedly confined to the lower class of people. One of a higher class on every occasion and on every trifle showers upon them all bad names and abusive languages, such as "sala," "badzat," "paji," and so forth, and this is done with impunity and without a retort even. These epithets and invectives do not seem to have any origin, except the fact of these people being lower and weaker. If, under such circumstances, one of these happen to be guilty of any crime through stupidity, i.e., say, being under the influence of ganja, the stronger or one in power cannot remain satisfied by calling him a "gadha" only, but calls him a "ganjokhor" at the same time, ascribing his crime to ganja smoking; and thus every similar occurrence, that is to say, every occurrence denoting stupidity or want of sense, naturally calls forth this epithet in addition to what more such epithets one may like to use. Hence ganja, possessing the stupefying property, all stupid actions, in course of time have come to be associated with its influence, and hence the prejudice and predilection; and this is also the reason, I think, why professional experts are found to have a leaning towards a version which accords well with this popular idea and popular notions and prejudice. I know of no instance in which any person of the higher class, being charged with any offence or being subjected to a fit of insanity, has raised any ganja plea or any plea giving occasion to discussions on the properties of ganja or any such drug. There are yet many respectable persons—respectable in the sense of being a high caste Brahmin, etc.—who are habitually ganja smokers, and who, though guilty, being under the influence of ganja, would never raise that plea or allow it to be raised. It is only in cases of offences committed by the lower class that any question on the score of ganja or any such drug arises. 53. It may, as is probably the case with every other intoxicating matter when carried to excess. As already hinted, temporary homicidal frenzy is not, I think, the property of ganja or such other drug. It is only under peculiar and exceptional circumstances that such is or appears to be the case. 54. It may be so; but this fortification is not necessarily to create a desire, but it is rather to fulfil and execute a pre-existing desire, to add strength and vigour to the force of the desire by intensifying the application of the mind. 55. I know of no such thing. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA KISHORE RAI CHAUDHURI, Zamindar, Ramgopalpur, District Mymensingh.
43. Yes. 51. Generally no connection with any kind of crime. 53. No, as far as we know. 54. Yes, generally by thieves. 55. No, unless any other stupefying drug be mixed with it. - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No. 53. No; it has the opposite effect. Excessive indulgers become quiet and helpless. 55. Yes, but after dhatura is mixed with the hemp drugs. - Evidence of MR. L. H. MYLNE, Zamindar and Indigo-planter, Justice of the Peace, President of Independent Bench of Honorary Magistrates, Chairman of Jugdispur Municipality, District Shahabad.
43. Consumers are stated to be inclined to be irritable, but not offensive. 51. This is not known to me. 53. I have not heard of it doing so. No; I do not know of any case. 54. I have not heard of it being thus used. 55. Cannot say. - Evidence of MR. JOHN D. GWILT, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling.
43. I think they are offensive to their neighbours who do not indulge in the drug, though probably not to any appreciable extent. 51. Bad characters generally have the reputation of being habitual consumers of these drugs. 53. I believe it does to a very great extent. 54. They are said to use them for such purposes. 55. I believe so to some extent. - Evidence, of MR. JNO. RUDD RAINEY, Proprietor of "Khulna Estate," Khulna.
43. I have known of no cases of any ganja consumers being offensive to their neighbours. Bhang.—One of my servants, who drank bhang prepared from the green leaves with seed, was slightly excited and offensive to the others. - Evidence of Mr. A. G. M. WODSCHOW, Assistant Manager, Indigo and Zamindari, Dumur Factory, Purnea.
43. Yes, they are inoffensive. 51. Habitual moderate consumers of ganja and bhang do not always turn out bad characters, so their proportion is not large. I do not think that moderate use of these drugs tends to make the consumers inclined to criminal acts. 52. The case of excessive use of these drugs is, however, very different. A man under the influence of these drugs, when taken very excessively, as is the case with all other intoxicants, may perpetrate any crime, however horrible. 53. Yes. I am not aware of any such instance. 54. Yes; hardened and professional criminals use these drugs in excess to make themselves proof against all humane qualities. 55. Yes; criminals sometimes, in order to carry out their evil designs, induce their victims to smoke ganja to make them lose their consciousness. I do not think that any of these drugs in an unadulterated state can bring on complete stupefaction. Dhatura and other narcotics are generally used for such purposes. - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.
43. Yes. 51. Speaking as an old police officer, I have invariably found thieves and bad characters addicted to smoking ganja; it is said to give them courage to undertake a job and cunning to escape capture. 52. Excessive use acts just the reverse of the last answer—produces drowsiness and sleep, and unconsciousness follows as a general rule. 53. I know it tends to lunacy. I have seen several instances among criminal offenders. 54. Yes, see paragraph 51. 55. Hemp drugs do not produce immediate stupefaction; it can only be done with dhatura. - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera
43. Yes; but on the slightest provocation they become reckless and furious. 52. The hemp poison is used by bad characters. It is used for purposes of rape and robbery. 53. Yes. I do not know any case. 55. Yes. Without any admixture, any of the preparations of hemp is sufficient to completely stupefy the victim for hours. Question 55 [oral evidence].—I have seen people stupefied for hours by doses of bhang. They were persons unaccustomed to the drug. - Evidence of the REV. PREM CHAND, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya.
51. It is the current belief that the criminal classes take these drugs to get temporary artificial energy, and relief from thought and fear. 53. It makes men exceedingly irritable, and thus liable to commit hasty and serious crime. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, in many cases. Usually dhatura would be mixed with siddhi or ganja; but these drugs by themselves are sufficient and speedy in action upon those not accustomed to them. - Evidence of the REVD. W. B. PHILLIPS, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Calcutta.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. Ruffians and dacoits generally use ganja to perpetrate their wicked actions. 53. A man loses his power of self-control by the excessive use of ganja, which sometimes leads to the commission of unpremeditated crime. I do not know any particular case about it. 54. Yes; ganja is so used. 55. Criminals sometimes induce their victims to partake of ganja in order to stupefy them and further their object. A sort of extract of ganja is also sometimes mixed with other eatable things in order to make the victims senseless. Question 51 [oral evidence].—I was son of a zamindar, and I remember that my father's clubmen before going out to fight used to smoke ganja. It is a recollection of my boyhood. - Evidence of the REVD. G. C. DUTT, Missionary, Khulna.
With reference to crime, ganja is largely consumed by the turbulent inhabitants of Eastern Bengal. It is consumed in Behar, which furnished in former times the class of professional lathials, and, speaking from a wide experience, I should say decidedly that its use, or abuse if you like, had a marked tendency to lead to crime of violence. It was used by the old professional dacoits who have now been pretty well stamped out, and by rioters generally; not, I think, by thieves or burglars. I have known several cases in which lathials had primed themselves with ganja before committing crime, and I remember a case of an attempt to murder the Judge of Patna, in which the offender had similarly given himself such 'Dutch courage.' - Evidence of MR. J. MONRO, C.B.,* late Bengal Civil Service, Ranaghat, District Nadia.
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are inoffensive to their neighbours. Moderate consumers of ganja are rarely to be seen. All ganja-smokers are more or less offensive. Smokers of charas are
almost invariably excessive consumers of ganja, so they are offensive. 51. I do not think moderate use of any of these drugs has anything to do with crime. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja may incite to unpremeditated crime, generally violent. 54. Not that I know. 55. I do not think. Complete stupefaction without admixture cannot be induced. - Evidence of BABU PURNENDU NARAYAN SINHA, Kayasth, Pleader and Zamindar, Bankipur, District Patna
43. Yes, generally inoffensive to the neighbours, but they are irritable. 51. I don't think the use of these drugs can be connected with crime as cause and effect. Habitual consumers are known as open-hearted people. 53. Not known. 54. In a few cases reported. 55. Don't know. 56 - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA CHANDRA MITRA, Kayasth, Pleader, Honorary Magistrate, and Municipal Chairman, Naihati, 24-Parganas.
43. Yes. 51, 52, and 53. The smoking of ganja excites anger, and, as such, does probably tempt the consumers to crime. 54. I know not whether criminals do actually stupefy their victims by the use of the drugs, but they may easily do if they like. Yes, complete stupefaction is possible by this drug even without admixture in a person not used to it, but serves the purpose better when mixed with dhatura. - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra.
43. Yes. 51. No. No connection with crime. 52. No answer is necessary. 53. No. The use of these drugs are known to be not so intoxicating as to lead people to a premeditated crime as in the use of liquor. 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of PUNDIT RAKHAL CHUNDER TEWARY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Diamond Harbour, 24-Parganas.
43. I should say they are inoffensive to their neighbours in most cases. They get an irritable temper as they advance in the habit; but they are seldom found to molest or annoy their neighbours, or commit any violent crimes in regard to them. 51. I don't believe that it has any connection with crime in general or with any special crime. Only it now and then leads to cases of assault and hurt. There was only one case of murder to my information. It was in Nator Thana jurisdiction in the district of Rajshahi. The assault or hurt cases are extremely small. 55. I have heard now and then that such stupefaction is induced, but very likely the drug must have been mixed with some more powerful intoxicant, such as dhatura, etc. - Evidence of BABU SASADHAR ROY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Rajshahi,
43. No; such consumers are generally found to be angry-tempered men. They are suddenly provoked. They annoy their neighbours by their misconduct. They have generally thievish habits. 51. It is generally known that those who are habitual moderate consumers commit petty thefts. Those who are poor cannot afford to buy the drugs, ganja and charas. They are pick-pockets, and petty thieves. They lead such a life mostly for the sake of purchasing the drugs. 52. Those who indulge in excess commit thefts, robberies and dacoity. They cannot earn their bread or the drugs by the sweat of their brow, and consequently have generally recourse to those easier methods. 53. It is very likely that it does. I have not come across any such case. 54. Yes, most of them do so. Dacoits often do so. Murderers also do the same. 55. Such cases are very rare, so far as I know. I believe that complete stupefaction cannot be induced by the drugs without some admixture - Evidence of BABU JADUNATH KANJILAL, Brahmin, Pleader, Judge's Court, Hughli.
43. Oh yes, opium smokers are a timid set of people. Ganja smokers are known to be somewhat irascible. But they are very harmless. Many of our most worthy sayings are attributed to ganja smokers. Their humours and balls are also wellknown. Opium smokers are worthless men,— timid, unwilling to talk, fearful to approach water, inveterate liars, and totally unfit to be entrusted with secrets. They are in mental dread of a drunken man, one of whom can disperse from their perches one hundred gulikhores. But they are not given to violent crimes; are very respectful, although great pilferers. 51. Badmashes avoid opium, lest while in jail, they may suffer. But, as a rule, they are ganja smokers. Dacoits and burglars invariably smoke ganja immediately before commencing operations. It has a religious character then. Siva, the husband of Kali, the goddess who protects scoundreldom, is invoked. There is no connection of these drugs with crime. Gulikhores are pilferers. They get lazy and unfit for labour. Then they steal. Of course it is the poor gulikhores who are thieves. 53. No. As a criminal lawyer and the public prosecutor for thirteen years, I never came across such an instance. Running amuck can't be attributed to any of these drugs, though the criminal may fortify himself with a cup of bhang. But it is a curious fact that excessive use of opium has a ludicrous effect on some Muhammadans. They are under illusion, and become excessively timid. 54. No; but as I have said, ganja is used to propitiate Siva and his wife, Kali. 55. No. There can't be complete stupefaction unless dhatura seed be mixed. But this is seldom done. All my experience goes to show that powder of dhatura seed is surreptitiously mixed with the food of the victim - Evidence of BABU BEPRODAS BANERJEE,* Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality.
43. Yes, inoffensive. 51. I have never heard of any such ganjasmokers ever committing any crime being intoxicated. 52. The same answer as the preceding one. 53. A criminal case was committed to the Sessions Court of Burdwan in which a Brahmachari sacrificed a human being. The Brahmachari confessed having sacrificed a human body; he said to me that when he killed the body, he was not in his proper senses, on account of intoxication of ganja; he used to smoke ganja excessively. 54. The criminals of this country addict to the vice of taking liquor, but whether the criminals of the North-West use ganja or not, I can't say. 55. I have never come across such an accident - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District.
43. Moderate consumers of ganja, siddhi and charas are generally inoffensive to their neighbours. But as long as the effect lasts, they are very excitable. Hot words, incoherent talk, and abuse would often result where one would think there was no sufficient provocation for them. Bed rolling eyes would often show that the owner of them is under the influence of any of these drugs; and so people would take care how to talk with him. 53. The excessive indulgence in ganja and siddhi incites to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. On the slightest provocation, an excessive ganja-smoker becomes infuriated and does all sorts of mischief. Violence is used to members of the family for little or no fault. I know of no case in which excessive indulgence has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. When wine is not available, these drugs are resorted to by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. Yes. Complete stupefaction can be induced by ganja and siddhi without admixture, when the victim is not in the habit of using them. Question 53 [oral evidence].—I have seen actual cases of irritability on the part of ganja-smokers and violence by them to members of their family. I know of no such case as having come into court. I have known cases among respectable people of beating wife and children and using abusive language to neighbours. I have seen such cases. The man was under the influence of ganja, and was known to be an excessive consumer. I have seen two such cases, and heard of others. The rest of my answer is impression based on hearsay. - Evidence of BABU ABINAS CHANDRADASS, M. A., B. L., Pleader, Judge's Court, Bankura.
43. Yes, they are inoffensive. 51. Yes; almost all the bad characters in any locality are habitual consumers of these drugs. Ganja-smokers are generally thieves. - Evidence of BABU ANANGO MOHAN NAHA, Kayasth, Judge's Court Pleader, Comilla, Tippera District.
43. A ganja-smoker is not generally riotous in his conduct nor a breaker of the peace. He smokes quietly and does not talk much. But a habitual smoker becomes a bad character and is given to stealing. A ganja-smoker is generally seen to be of irritable temper and is liable to fits of anger. 52. Yes, a large proportion of bad characters in the village are addicted to ganja-smoking. 53. Yes, excessive indulgence leads to outburst of temper, which cannot be controlled, and which may lead to perpetration of violent crimes. 54. I am not aware of. - Evidence of BABU KAILAS CHANDRA DUTTA, Baidya, Vakil, Judge's Court, Comilla, Tippera District.
43. Yes. 51. Necessarily, the moderate use of ganja or bhang has no connection with crime in general, or with crime of any special character. 52. But when excessively used, it sometimes incites people to acts of violence. 53. Yes; in some cases. 54. Not often. 55. When administered in large doses it may induce complete stupefaction, especially in those who are unaccustomed to its use even without admixture. - Evidence of BABU MOHINI MOHAN BURDHAN, Kayasth, District Government Pleader of Tippera.
43. Yes. 51. Bad characters use ganja. 53. I know of two or three cases of homicide committed by persons under ganja intoxication during my experience of last twenty years. - Evidence of BABU TARA NATH CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Faridpur.
43. The moderate consumers of bhang as well as ganja are comparatively inoffensive to their neighbours. As far as this question is concerned, I rather consider the consumers of alcohol to be a greater nuisance to the public than the consumers of any of these drugs. 51. A very appreciable proportion of persons of bad livelihood is to be found among ganja-smokers. They easily enter into brawls. I do not think that the use of ganja has any appreciable connection with crime, either general or special, though, no doubt, the people addicted to its use are generally of violent character. 53. I think it does. I know of only one case in which a husband, who had almost turned an idiot under the influence of ganja, killed his wife in a fit of insanity. In the evidence it transpired that this man had on several occasions attempted to throttle innocent children upon no palpable grounds. It is remarkable that little children have generally a morbid dread in approaching a habitual ganja-smoker. 54. This may be said of liquors, but not of ganja. 55. I know of one instance only in which bhang was so used. - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.
43. Yes; they are generally inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. A good portion of bad characters are known as habitual moderate consumers of ganja. I have often come across cases in my experience as a public prosecutor in which the offenders were known to have used either ganja or alcohol before the commission of the offence. 53. I believe an excessive indulgence in ganja incites to unpremeditated crime. I know of no cases in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy, 54. Ganja is used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime, such as dacoity, robbery, etc. 55. I have never heard of cases in which this was done. - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.
43. Yes. 51. No. 52 and 53. Yes. 54. Not always, but sometimes. 55. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.
43. Yes; they are inoffensive. 51. Nearly all bad characters are habitual moderate consumers. Robbers, dacoits, etc., before they commit any crime, prepare themselves by smoking ganja. 54. Yes; criminals by taking one of these drugs fortify themselves before they commit any crime. - Evidence of BABU PARES NATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, Satkhira, Khulna District
43. No, not by itself. 51, 52 and 53. No. 54. Yes, may be used by criminals to fortify their nerves before the commission of crimes, but use of drugs for such purposes is less frequent than that of wine. 55. Yes, criminals do induce their victims to partake of these drugs, but complete stupefaction cannot be effected in each case without admixture. Bhang may bring on complete stupefaction even in strong brains, if the drug is boiled with current pice or copper or mixed with dhatura. Question 54 [oral evidence].—A person intending to fortify himself to commit a crime is likely to make use of the intoxicant to which he is accustomed. And those cases in which spirits have been used, have come to my notice more frequently than cases in which the hemp drugs have been used. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SSHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.
43. Ganja-smokers generally remain irritable. They ill-treat their children, wives and neighbours. They commit offences on slight provocation. - Evidence of BABU GURUDAYAL SINHA,* Kayasth, Honorary Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner and Secretary, Total Abstinence Society, Comilla, Tippera
43. Excepting that consumers of bhang and ganja are said to be more irritable and are liable to be more easily offended than others, they are generally speaking inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. It would be unjust to connect the use of these drugs with crime as cause and effect. It is on the contrary a general belief that those who smoke ganja or use bhang are open-hearted men who enjoy the happiness of others and delight to see others happy. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.
43. Yes. 52. The excessive use of ganja and bhang has connection with crimes relating to properties, human life, and public peace. The excessive smoker having exhausted his resources and having yet a strong craving for the use of ganja, has to satisfy the same by means fair or foul, and he has therefore to secure money by theft, and he is likely to commit a breach of the peace and offences relating to human life when under the influence of the drug. 53. Yes. No, I know of no case - Evidence of UMAGATI RAT, Brahmin, Pleader, and Secretary to the Jalpaiguri Branch, Indian Association.
43. The questions nowhere give a definition of a moderate consumer, so it is very difficult to say whether moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours or not. A consumer of ganja is generally found to be peevish, and is easily irritated. While under the influence of his favourite drug, he also does not know what acts he may commit the next moment. With such experience of the habits of life of a neighbour, he is regarded as an offensive being. Ganja-smokers have been known to have committed the gravest of offences against their neighbours without the slightest provocation. 51 and 52. Yes, a large proportion of bad characters are on enquiry found to be habitual consumers of ganja. Such habit has, however, no direct connection with any special class of crimes. Smokers of ganja like opium-eaters are generally found concerned with petty thefts. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja has been known in the past as well as in the present times to incite to unpremeditated crimes of a violent nature. I know of no cases (except the one already quoted) in which it led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Dacoits are said to use ganja to fortify themselves to commit premeditated crimes. Many lathials do the same before engaging in a riot. 55. Criminals, in order to further their designs, are sometimes said to induce their victims to partake of ganja. It can produce complete stupefaction without admixture if the victim happens to be unused to the drug. But such cases are few and far between, and I have not succeeded in collecting any definite information. - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.
43. Yes. 51. Not so. 52. Excessive consumers of these drugs are generally of bad characters. 53. Yes. Yes, I know several cases. 54. Yes, sometimes. 55. No such cases occur in this part of country. - Evidence of BABU KAMALA KANTA SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar and Pleader, President of the Chittagong Association
43. Yes. 51. There are many wily bad characters that use the drug moderately in order to retain their memory sharp, sense keen, eye clear, and ear acute for perpetrating crime with cunning, and at the same time use the drug only to give excitement to the action and to add extra amount of zeal and determination. 52. The excessive use of the intoxicating drugs by bad characters is of little use for consummation of their evil designs. When the head is confused, eye dim, ear dull, memory failing, hand benumbed, feet not agile under too much narcotic influence, it will be next to impossibility to commit 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 intoxicating drugs to abandon the remorse of conscience, 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 criminals. Case of Tarkeshwar mohanta is a living illustration. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong.
43. Yes. 51. Yes, bad characters are said to use ganja and bhang freely before they commit any offence. 52. See above. 53. Possible, but not known to me. 54. Not known to me. 55. No such case known to me. But it is said that railway passengers and travellers in unfrequented thoroughfares have been drugged by designing men. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal.
43. Inoffensive. 51. Only a small proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers. There is no connection of the moderate use with crime. 52. Similar answers as to question 51. 53 and 54. No. 55. No. Complete stupefaction can be induced by bhang. - Evidence of BABU DHANI RAM SAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh
43. Inoffensive. 51. Only a small proportion are ganja consumers. There is no connection of the consumption of ganja with crime. 52. Only a small proportion are ganja consumers. There is no connection of the consumption of ganja with crime. 53. No. 54. No. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensing
43. Moderate consumers are always inoffensive - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA NATH ROY, of Santa, Jessore
43. Yes. 51. No. The connection between crime in general or with crime of any special character is very slight indeed, if it exist at all. 52. Men bent upon the perpetation of violent crimes are known to have recourse to excessive doses of the drugs. 53. Opinions are divided; however, consensus of opinion leans to the hypothesis that immoderate indulgence leads in its remote effects to laziness and generally want of energy—a condition most unfavourable to criminal tendencies. Yes, the SubCommittee have been informed of a case in which a boy of perverted nature attempted a murderous assault on his parents, wife and other near relatives. 54. See the foregoing answers. 55. Sometimes they do. Yes, but rarely. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee)
43. Yes. 51. Yes; it has connection with crime and committal of petty thefts. 52. Yes; it has connection with crime, and when under excitement, and there is a premeditation, they commit heinous offences. It would thus be seen that the offence is not the direct effect of ganja. 53. No. We know of no case, 54. Yes. 55. Yes; but not without admixture of certain strong narcotics, such as dhatura, kuchla, etc. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.
43. Certainly they are. 51. Yes; there does not seem to be any connection. 52. Excessive use of these drugs may give rise to offences less heinous than those committed under the influence of liquor. 53. No. 54. No. 55. (a) No. (b) Cannot say - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).
43. The consumers of the hemp, moderate or excessive, are always inoffensive to their neighbours. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Arrah.
43. Yes, I think so certainly. Question 51 [oral evidence].—I think that the immoderate use of ganja does lead to crime, but I cannot recall any case that I have had to deal with. As Inspector General of Police I cannot remember that the drug led to crime or misconduct among the subordinate police officers, and to the best of my recollection there was no such case. - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley District
43. Yes, as far as I know. 51. No, I cannot connect crime with the moderate use of the drug. In the Assam Valley we have no habitual or professional criminals. In the Surma Valley there are river dacoits, but I cannot say that the fact of their being river dacoits is in any way connected with the use of ganja by the people of Sylhet and Cachar. The conditions of Sylhet are similar to the conditions of the neighbouring Bengal districts, and probably more useful and reliable information could be furnished from that province. 52. I do not think that ganja is used to excess to any extent. I have known it said that murders have been committed when the murderers were intoxicated with ganja, but in most cases there was little or no foundation for the statements. 53. Amongst garden coolies, when a man murders his wife, the imputation is that he was intoxicated with ganja, but my experience is that ganja is not responsible. The murderer probably was a consumer, but I never knew that the ganja had led to the murder or was the cause of it in any way. 54. I don't think so. At any rate I cannot give a single instance. 55. Not in this province. - Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.
51. The only habitual criminals in the province are the Musalman river dacoits of Sylhet, and foreigners of bad character in other districts. All, or nearly all, of these consume ganja habitually and to excess. 52. See above. 53. I have known of cases in which the immoderate use of ganja among tea garden coolies has brought about insane and unreasonable jealousy, resulting in crimes of violence. 54. I cannot quote specific instances. 55. I know no instances. Question 53. [oral evidence] —The cases I refer to came before me in court. I do not think the record of the cases would show that ganja entered into them. I cannot at the moment recall the cases I had in my mind when I wrote the answer, but I must have been thinking of some cases. I do not remember how many cases there were nor anything about them. - Evidence of MR. J. D. ANDERSON, Deputy Commissioner; Officiating Commissioner of Excise.
I have not seen enough to connect the drugs with crime in any general way, and I can only give one instance in which a murder was committed by a man under the alleged influence of bhang. The man was a Nepalese, a sawyer. He had been working in the lower hills, and been away from civilization for several months. On his return to the plains he took bhang, and under the excitement caused by it cut down an inoffensive villager whom he had never met before and with whom he had no sort of quarrel whatever. I tried the case myself. The man pleaded he was under the influence of ganja and had not the faintest recollection of what he had done. I think he was hanged. The case occurred in 1889 or 1890, and the record must be with the Deputy Commissioner of Tezpur. The man had taken some alcoholic drink at the house of the man he killed. When he asked for more it was refused him, and he cut the man down. The taking of bhang was accused's plea in defence, and I cannot say if it was established by evidence. The whole facts can be ascertained from the record.* Note by the Commission appended to MR.M CCABE'Se vidence. The records of the case have been destroyed, as the murderer was hanged. Three special police reports, however, have been traced, the first of which, written by Mr. W. B. Waller, then in charge of the District Police, contains a brief account of the case and abstract of evidence forthcoming. This report is dated 25th April 1889. The abstract of evidence shows that the accused was drunk with liquor at the time, and committed the murder in a drunken fray, of which the principal feature was that he demanded more drink (madh). There is no mention whatever of hemp in any form in any of the reports - Evidence of MR. R. B. MCCABE, Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup.
51. In this neighbourhood the Assamese proper are as a rule non-consumers of ganja. The ganja consumers are generally foreigners, and as a rule belong to the very lowest grades amongst such foreigners, and, as might be expected from their social position, they do furnish a considerable proportion of the bad characters of the neighbourhood. I do not consider that the moderate use of ganja exercises (more than any other intoxicant) any direct influence on the production of crimes. 52. I have known crimes of violence to be committed on little or no provocation by persons labouring under the peculiar delirium produced by a long continued course of ganja In fact, people in this condition are in my opinion particularly dangerous, being extremely easily provoked to commit crimes of violence. 53. See answer to preceding question. Yes, most undoubtedly. Persons labouring under the peculiar delirium produced by the excessive use of ganja are particularly liable to commit manslaughter on little or no provocation. I have known more than one such case. 54. As a rule, ganja is not used by the Assamese for this purpose. Instances, however, have from time to time occurred where ganja has been used for this purpose by foreigners resident in Assam. 55. I have heard of such cases, but have not actually had experience of any. Complete stupefaction cannot be produced by ganja alone. - Evidence of MR. R. S. GREENSHIELDS,* Deputy Commissioner, Lakhimpur.
43. Inoffensive, but they are generally ashamed of being known to use ganja and keep it as secret as possible. - Evidence of MR. J. L. HERALD, Deputy Commissioner, Silchar, Cachar
51. I cannot answer. 52. I cannot answer. 53. I recollect a case of a murderous assault being committed by a person under the influence of ganja, but I cannot give particulars. I presume that excessive indulgence in these drugs does incite to unpremeditated crime, inasmuch as they appear to produce mania under such conditions. 54. I have heard of such a case, but never came across one personally. 55. I cannot answer. - Evidence of MR. P. H. O'BRIEN, Deputy Commissioner, Sylhet.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. I do not know that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of the drugs. Ganja is not allowed in jails to habitual consumers in the same way as opium. I do not know that there is any connection between these drugs and crime. 53. I have not personally witnessed unpremeditated crime or homicidal frenzy induced by the use of hemp drugs. 54. I do not know, and have never heard, that criminals use these drugs to fortify themselves for dangerous crimes. 55. The administering of hemp drugs for the first time will cause complete stupefaction, but I have not heard of their being used by criminals for this purpose. Question 51 [oral evidence].—Opium is only allowed in jail when the Civil Surgeon thinks a man must get it. Ganja is never allowed. I have heard of its being allowed. I believe ganja could not be given. As ganja is not allowed, we never know whether a man is a consumer. There is no necessity to inquire. Question 55 [oral evidence].—I have not seen cases of complete stupefaction; but my Court Inspector and other people have told me that ganja would cause it on the first occasion of administration. - Evidence of MR. G. GORDON, Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara.
51. Not in this district. Most of our bad characters do not use drugs at all. No connection with crime in this district. 52. No experience of any excessive use of drugs in this district. 53. Cannot say, as there is no excessive indulgence in drugs in the district. No. 54. Certainly not in this district. In other parts of India doubtless in some cases they are used for that purpose. Sepoys often before running amok drug themselves. 55. (a) Have never come across a case of it. (b) Cannot say, having never tried it. - Evidence of CAPTAIN A. E. WOODS, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Naga Hills.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. In my experience as a Magistrate, I cannot recall a single case in which it was suggested that there was any connection between either the moderate or excessive use of the drug and a particular crime. I have not therefore had occasion to enquire how far bad characters coming before my notice were ganja-smokers. 53. I cannot cite any instance, but I can imagine it doing so in the same way as excess of alcohol in an individual of a naturally violent temperament, but not in a peaceful subject. 54. Not in my experience. 55. Not in my experience. - Evidence of MR. C. W. E. PITTAR, Officiating Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup
43. Yes. 51. Bad characters do to a certain extent use ganja I am told. Thieves are said to use it to keep themselves warm and protect themselves from the effects of exposure. 53. Sometimes it seems to do. 54. I might have heard one or two instances in which excessive indulgence in ganja was set up as a plea for committal of crime; but I cannot recollect now any particular instances of it. 55. I cannot say. - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet.
51. I do not think that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers; neither in my opinion has the moderate use any connection whatever with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. Ganja is the drug almost invariably used by real bad characters, and is generally used by such in excess when about to commit heinous crime and crime with violence. Bad characters habitually use it to excess in order to give themselves Dutch courage. The excessive use of ganja more often than not leads to crime amongst the lower classes. 53. Most certainly it does. I know of many for each of my twenty years' service. I can quote several during the three months I have held charge of this district. 54. Yes, more often than not, but more especially to fortify themselves to commit premeditated crime with violence, such as dacoity, highway robbery, rioting, murder, etc., etc. 55. Very seldom indeed, if ever, with these drugs alone, but sometimes with them mixed with dhatura for instance. Complete stupefaction can be induced, I believe, without admixture. Question 52. [oral evidence]—My answer is based on general experience and cases which have come before me in Bengal and Assam. 1 cannot quote any Bengal cases. My opinion is a general impression which I have gained during my service. I have never paid the slightest attention to ganja, but ganja is the only drug which I have ever heard connected with crime as an incentive in this country. In this remark I did not refer to liquor; but I am of opinion that ganja is more used by the criminal classes than liquor, and therefore has more connection with crime. The excitement arising from ganja often leads a man to commit crimes of violence. Question 53. [oral evidence]—I can quote cases which have occurred in Assam. One is that referred to by Dr. Mullane which occurred at Dumduma. The enquiry made by the Superintendent Police Officer showed, as far as I remember, that a man under the influence of ganja ran "amok" and wounded about seven people. This was in 1890 or 1891. I cannot say what the result of the trial was, except that I think the man was convicted. I cannot say if the fact of the man having taken ganja was brought out in the trial. Such a fact very seldom comes out. It is a matter for the defence. As far as I remember, there was no motive alleged. The case was tried at Dibrugarh, but in what Court I do not remember. The police enquiry and the manager of the garden all informed me that the man acted under the influence of ganja. I cannot say whether he was an habitual smoker, nor whether he was an excessive or a moderate smoker. He must have smoked to excess on this occasion. The case came to me in the usual routine way. This was the sort of case in which the facts connected with ganja must have come out. I should not think it proper to keep back such facts because they told in favour of the accused. I was not in Court on this occasion, but the facts must have come out, I should think. I have had the records of several cases examined in which offences were committed by ganja-smokers, and, according to my belief, under the influence of ganja. But the facts connected with ganja do not appear on the records. When the Commission's questions came to me, I examined the records of the chief cases of violent crime that had occurred within the year. I spoke to the investigating officers about these cases as opportunity offered telling them what my object was. My exact procedure was this. I called up my head-quarter Inspector and had a talk with him about the cases of violent crime for the district in the year. Out of these cases I selected some in consultation with him as ganja cases. Of these, some had occurred in my own time; and in respect to those which had occurred before my time the selection was based on the views of the head-quarter Inspector as accepted by me after questioning him. Afterwards I talked over some of these cases with the investigating officers. This I did after despatching my answers to the Commission, and in order to test the answer I had given, in other words, to compare my Bengal experience with Assam. I returned from leave in June last, and my paper was written on 20th October. *1. Golaghat station No. 7 of February 1893, and 2. Bartola station No. 9 of August 1893. In two* of the cases I found facts in the record tending to show that the offenders were ganjasmokers, In the other five cases such facts were wanting. I cannot say that I found in any of the seven cases evidence that the offences were actually committed under the influence of ganja. In Bartola Station case No. 4 of September 1893, Birbal and Ahalu coolies, son and father, were convicted of murdering a girl, the daughter of the latter and the sister of the former. I suspected the father of having murdered two other people and I interviewed the prisoners in the jail both before and after the High Court had confirmed the sentence of death upon them. The father denied every thing, but the son shortly before he was hanged, while still pretending that he himself was innocent, told me that he and his father were both ganjasmokers, that on the night when the girl was murdered they had both smoked heavily, and that if he had helped in the murder, he had done it under the intoxication of ganja and knew nothing about it. He had given up all hope of avoiding punishment when he told me this. I think this worthy of credence though it was not urged at the trial. The only motive I could find for the murder was to get the girl's husband into trouble. They put the body by his house. The examination of the cases was subsequent to my answering the Commission's questions 51 to 54. I then stated my general impressions on a subject on which I do not know very much. If I had expected an examination into details, I should have been more careful in my written answers though I still hold the opinion which I then expressed. I should not have given my opinion in such general terms. Note by the Commission appended to MR.DALRYMPLE-CLARK'S evidence. The records of the two cases quoted in the margin of Answer No. 53 were sent for. 1. Golaghat case No. 7. In this case one Krishnaram was smoking ganja with five other men, when one of them offered to sell him ganja. He agreed to buy, but differed about the price. A quarrel ensued, in the course of which he said he would take the ganja to the Police thanna. On this, they beat him. He called out; and his father came up. In the subsequent fight, the father had his arm broken. The man that struck that blow was sent to jail for three months: the others were fined. There was no evidence that the men were intoxicated or that they had been smoking to excess. 2. Bartola case No. 9. In this case, the accused Latua, a garden coolie, branded his wife, pursued her and her mother (who lived next door), and then attempted suicide by hanging. His plea was, that his wife was unfaithful. The woman and her father stated that he was constantly beating and illtreating her, and charging her with unfaithfulness, though naming no particular person. She was a girl of 15 who had just reached puberty after being married to this man for four years. Ganja was not mentioned as the cause of the offence; but the Jemadar who cut the man down said: "Accused is a ganja-smoker and takes liquor also. I had got smell of ganja in accused's mouth when I reached the rope from his neck." A fellow coolie says: "Accused is a very bad man. He has got a very bad temper.** Accused smokes ganja, but not much or too frequently." No other witness was asked about ganja or mentioned it. - Evidence of Mr. I. H. W. DALRYMPLE-CLARK, District Superintendent of Police, Sibsagar.
51. I have no reason to think that the proportion of habitual moderate consumers of ganja is larger among the criminal classes than any other class. I believe that the moderate use of ganja has no connection with crime. 52. I should say that the excessive use of ganja is proportionately more common among persons of bad livelihood than among the law-abiding class, It is a fact that the term ganja-smoker (in the sense of an excessive indulger) has come to be regarded as synonymous in police usage with bad character. 53. I have a distinct impression that excessive indulgence in ganja does excite to unpremeditated violent crime. I cannot call to mind at present any particular instance of this, but I am pretty certain that I have met with several cases in the course of my 16 odd years' experience as a police officer. 54. I think not. 55. Ganja by itself is, I believe, not so used and would not, I think, cause complete stupefaction. I have an impression that bhang is occasionally used by professional poisoners, but the proportion of cases in which any of the hemp drugs or admixtures thereof were used for these purposes would be small compared with those in which, say, dhatura, for instance, was used. - Evidence of MR. J. RIVETT-OARNAO, District Superintendent of Police, Cachar.
51. I think a very small proportion of bad characters take any of these drugs. The moderate consumption of these drugs has no connection with crime at all. 52. The excessive use of these drugs has no connection with crime. 53. The excessive use of bhang does occasionally incite to violent unpremeditated crime; but such cases are very much fewer in number than those caused by excessive drinking of intoxicating liquors. 54. I can call to mind no such case. - Evidence of MR.E. MUSPRATT, District Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur.
51. The large proportion of bad characters are not ganja consumers. Ganja has no connection with crime. 52. When a man is convicted of an offence, I have heard it said "Oh, he was a ganja-smoker," as people often give as a reason for crime committed in England "he was a drunkard." But how many people are there who smoke ganja or drink who are not criminals ? 53. None. 54. No. 55. No; dhatura is used in such cases. I know of no such case. - Evidence of MR. W. D. ABERCROMBIE, District Superintendent of Police, Sylhet.
51. There are very few villages in these hills which use siddhi or bhang, and then only in very small quantities, None. 52. Excessive use unknown in North Cachar, 53, 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of MR. E. C. S. BAKER, District Superintendent of Police, Cachar Hills.
51. In this neighbourhood the Assamese proper are, as a rule, non-consumers of ganja. The ganja consumers are generally foreigners and, as a rule, belong to the very lowest grades amongst such foreigners, and, as might be expected from their social position, they do furnish a considerable proportion of the bad characters of the neighbourhood. I do not consider that the moderate use of ganja exercises (more than any other intoxicant) any direct influence on the production of crime. 52. I have known crimes of violence to be committed on little or no provocation by persons labouring under the peculiar delirium produced by a long-continued course of ganja. In fact people in this condition are, in my opinion, particularly dangerous, being extremely easily provoked to commit crimes of violence. 53. See answer to preceding question. Yes, most undoubtedly. Persons labouring under the peculiar delirium produced by the excessive use of ganja are particularly liable to commit manslaughter on little or no provocation. I have known more than one such case. 54. As a rule ganja is not used by the Assamese for this purpose. Instances, however, have from time to time occurred where ganja has been used for this purpose by foreigners, resident in Assam. 55. No. Complete stupefaction cannot be produced by ganja alone. Question 52. [oral evidence]—I can recall to mind at the present moment three men sent to jail charged with murder. All of them were under that state of ganja delirium which I have described, and the police papers showed no sufficient motive. The cases were far apart in time. Two of them got penal servitude for life, I think. I cannot remember about the third. One was, I think, in Gauhati in 1885. One was in the Dumduma (Dibrugarh district) bazar in the hot weather of 1891. I cannot recall when the third was. It was in Gauhati about ten years ago. I cannot recall it to mind. I know there have been other cases; but these are all I can remember. It was on these three cases that I founded my answers to questions 52 and 53. In the Gauhati case of 1885 the man was brought in. The police reported he had committed murder while insane. My head jailor, an experienced man, suggested doubt as to the insanity. I went to the place where the murder had been committed, and discovered on inquiry that both the prisoner, a religious mendicant, and the murdered man had been under the influence of ganja. I advised the Magistrate, Mr. Archibald Campbell, to put off the trial that the man might recover. He took about a fortnight to recover and was then tried. I gave evidence. He was sentenced to transportation for life by either Mr. Luttman-Johnson or Mr. Ward. I think the former. This is the only case in which I can give details. I took so much trouble about it, and had trouble getting him to the Andamans afterwards so it impressed itself on my mind. He was troublesome in jail about his religious customs, and a big stalwart man among puny, weak, jail officials. He talked to me freely about his ganja. I do not think he took anything else with it. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. MULLANE, Civil Surgeon, Dibrugarh
51. A very large proportion of the prisoners in our jail at Tezpur have been addicted to the use of these drugs in some shape. Of 239 male prisoners, 15 consumed ganja. Crime, it would appear, goes with the use of these drugs: I can't ascertain whether ganja consumers are addicted to any special crime. 52. It is in occasional consumers I have noticed the most serious consequences. The words moderation and excess have no meaning for me in this connection. 53. Yes. It leads to homicidal mania. A case occurred in the Tezpur Lunatic Asylum, in which one of the lunatics, who was believed to have become insane from smoking ganja, killed the compounder in a fit of excitement. He smoked 5 annas worth daily. 54. Not to my knowledge, but I have heard that they are so used, and it is quite certain that they are so used. 55. I do not know. Question 51.[oral evidence]—The proportion in the jail was then about 6 per cent.; at the present time it is about 10 per cent. (26 out of 267), as I ascertained yesterday. These are high figures compared with the 5 per cent. consumers in the district. I do not think that this is explained by the fact that criminals are more from the lower orders, who also are mainly the consumers of the drug. Question 53.[oral evidence]—My opinion about homicidal mania is based on the case I have quoted. There is another man also in the asylum who killed a man outside. Both these cases are associated in my mind and in the asylum with ganja. But this merely means that ganja was the cause of insanity. They were both insane when they committed the murder. They are both cases of insane men who committed crime. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.
43. Generally so; but not at all times. 51. Yes. Common assault, abusing, beating, common theft. 52. Dacoity, murder, severe assault, theft, house-breaking, perjury are common among excessive ganja smokers. 53. Yes; I know of one case, a man addicted to ganja smoking. He was sitting by and talking with a friend of his, when suddenly, as if in a temporary fit of insanity, he struck a blow with the arm of the chair, on which he was sitting, on his friend's head. The skull was fractured, and his friend died in thirty hours. 54. I have heard it so. (I refer to ganja smoking). 55. I have heard cases of this nature, but have never known of any. Bhang and dhatura can do it - Evidence of KRISHNA CHANDRA SANYAL,* Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Sylhet
43. Yes. 53. Yes; murder. I had a case * of a man in my garden who cut off his wife's head whilst temporarily insane under the effects of the drug. Note by Commission appended to MR. MORAN'S evidence. EMPRESSV S.L ALAK AMAR. There is only one mention of ganja in this case, and that is in the evidence of a witness, Mohidhar, who stated both before the committing Magistrate and before the Sessions Judge that the accused was sometimes "like a man who takes ganja." On the other hand, it is in evidence (Mr. Moran) that accused and his wife "had frequent quarrels;" also (Mohidhar) that he was "imprisoned for assaulting her" on a previous occasion, two years before, on which (Puttu) "he was drunk." To this is added: "He is not a drinking man; he drinks sometimes." Mr. Moran, in a long statement made before the Magistrate giving a detailed history of the prisoner, made no mention whatever of ganja - Evidence of MR. F. C. MORAN, Tea Planter, Khoniker, Lakhimpur.
43. Fairly inoffensive, but it must be taken very moderately. - Evidence of Mr. ALFRED SPICER,† Tea Planter, Pathecherra, Cachar
43. So far as my experience goes, moderate consumers of ganja are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. I cannot distinguish between the proportions. I have never heard of any connection between crime and the moderate use of ganja. 52. The excessive use of ganja seldom leads to crime. 53. I know of no case in which the use of ganja was the direct cause of crime. I have never seen nor heard any man committing unpremeditated crime of violence under the influence of ganja. 54. I have never heard of any case in which criminals used ganja to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. - Evidence of BABU ABANTINATH DATTA, Kayastha, Pleader, Judge's Court, Cachar
43. Even moderate consumers get a very irritable and easily excitable temper. 51. I have known many bad characters who are addicted to ganja-smoking. 53. I know of a case in which an excessive ganja-smoker killed a friend of his with a lathi without any apparent cause for such action. The culprit was then detained in the lunatic asylum. 54. Heard of such being done, but had no personal experience. 55. Bhang drinking can produce complete stupefaction with admixture. Question 53.[oral evidence]—The man was mad when he killed his friend. - Evidence of BISHUN CHANDRA CHATTOPADHAY, Pleader, Dhubri
43. They are inoffensive in the sense they do not molest any one unless provoked. But slight provocation is sufficient to excite them. 51 and 52. I have not been able to collect reliable information in regard to this, but I find in the Excise Report for the Province for the year 188283 at page 21:—"There must be 1,953, say 2,000, or .7 per cent., of the population, or 7 persons out of 1,000, who consume the drug. The statistics of the jail show that 15 out of 132 persons use it, i.e., 114 per mille"; from which it appears that ganja-smokers furnish a large proportion of criminals. 53. So far as I am aware it does. I have heard of no such case. 54. No (so far as I know). 55. I have read of cases in which bhang is thus used. - Evidence of KAMINI KUMAR CHANDRA, Kayastha, Bengali, Pleader, Silchar
43. Even moderate consumers are not always inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Habitual moderate consumers are not generally to be seen to be bad characters. The moderate use has not had any connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. About one-third of bad characters are habitual excessive consumers. Most of the petty thieves are habitual excessive consumers. 53. The excessive indulgence in these drugs (bhang excepted) incites occasionally to unpremeditated violent crime. There are cases in which it has led to homicidal frenzy. 54. I do not think they do. 55. Yes, they do occasionally. Complete stupefaction may be induced by this drug with or without admixture. - Evidence of GANGADHAR SORMAH, Brahmin, Pleader, Jorhat.
43. When they take ganja and work they are quite inoffensive, but those who are idle often become very offensive. 51. I cannot say. 53. Yes, I have known cases where men become dangerous when they have taken ganja. 54. I cannot say. - Evidence of REVD. J. P. JONES,* Missionary, Sylhet.
43. Yes. 51. Not very large proportion. Proportion not known. 52. To a limited extent. 53. May incite unpremeditated crime. Don't know any special case. 54. Don't know. 55. Heard only of such cases. If given in excessive quantity, stupefaction may be induced. - Evidence of HARIBILASH AGARWALA, Merchant, Tezpur
43. Moderate consumers are even not inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja-smoking incites unpremeditated crime, such as assault and murder. - Evidence of LAKSMIKANTA BARKAGATI, Brahma, Secretary to the Tezpur Raiyats' Association, Tezpur, Darrang.
43. Nothing much heard against them. 53. I believe so in certain cases. I saw a cooly in my garden and a pensioned sepoy, the former attempting to kill his wife with a dao, and the other seriously beating his wife. 54, 55 and 56. None to my knowledge. Question 53.[oral evidence]—The cooly I refer to in this answer was a Sonthal. He was kept in jail for a week to see if he was insane, and then he was let go and sent back to my garden. That was more than five years ago, I discharged him soon after his return, the period of his contract having expired. He was never tried for attempting to kill his wife, because no one prosecuted him. The man who beat his wife was prosecuted, but the charge was dismissed. He was subsequently punished for another offence. The pensioned sepoy was living near my house, and so I know he was an inveterate ganja smoker. After smoking he would always get excited, his eyes would grow red, and he would quarrel with his wife. He was an Assamese of Mangaldai of the Rajbangshi caste. Other coolies would beat their wives, but not so often or so rashly as these men would do. - Evidence of JADU RAM BOROOAH, Assamese Kayasth, Local Board Member; Pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, Dibrugarh
51. I am not able to say whether any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja or whether they are exces -sive consumers. Bad characters are more gen e-rally associated with the madak shop than with mere ganja smoking, which is done anywhere; but apart from this, I would say that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to establish any connection between ganja smoking and crime. My experience has not shown me that even excessive indulgence in ganja incites to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, nor do I remember any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy, or, except one case of dacoity in the Saugor district, where habitual or professional criminals have fortified themselves to commit a premeditated crime ; but I think it extremely likely that a person, not an ordinary criminal, but one who had determined to do a desperate deed, might nerve himself to the act by smoking ganja ; and I think I can recollect a case of that kind in the Bhandara district, where four Muhammadans of desperate character, but not ordinary criminals, defied the police for long in a house in which they had made themselves strong, and finally, after murdering their women, who willingly consented thereto, broke out and escaped, only to be captured some days later. These men had, I believe, fortified themselves with ganja, but it was not the ganja that impelled them to commit the crime. In all my experience I cannot at present recall one single case in which a state of ganja intoxication was the real cause of the crime, while I could cite a whole catalogue of murders the result of drunkenness. Since the above was written, another case has come before me, in which a man charged with the murder of his wife asserted that he knew nothing of the matter : he had been smoking ganja, and for days knew nothing of what happened. This was proved to be wholly untrue, and I merely mention the matter as showing how often drugs are said to be the cause of crime when there is absolutely no foundation for the statement. 55. I do not remember any case in which mere ganja was used by criminals to stupefy their victims. Dhatura is of common use for their purpose. It is not always possible in such cases to ascertain what was used. - Evidence of MR. J . W. NEILL, Judicial Commissioner, Central Provinces.
43. Absolutely as far as I can learn. 51. I do not believe that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of either bhang or ganja, and I do not consider that the moderate use of these drugs has any connection whatever with crime of any kind. 52. I hold the same opinions in regard to the excessive use of these drugs. 53. I cannot call to mind any instance of the excessive indulgence in either bhang or ganja having incited to the commission of crime of any kind having come under my own observation ; nor have I been able to learn of any case of the kind from the officials in the Hoshungabad district whom. I have been able to question on the point, except one case which Inspector Mahummud Taki tells me he has already brought to the notice of the Commission. This he tells me was a case in which a head constable and some constables after a debauch in bhang had a fight in which some of them were severely wounded. Without knowing the exact details of this case I would not like to express any opinion regarding it; but from the fact that it is the only case of the kind that I have been able to hear of, I may, I think, safely conclude that such cases are very rare indeed; and with regard to this particular case, I would say that it is a matter of surprise to me that the excit -ing cause should have been bhang and not ganja. As far as I have been able to learn, bhang is very seldom used as an intoxicant. I have of course frequently read of men running amok under the influence of bhang or ganja, but I do not think that any attempt has been made in these cases to distinguish the particular drug the men had used ; nor do I remember a case in which it was clearly established that any drug at all had been used. I can call to mind a great many cases which I have had to deal with as a Magistrate and as a Sessions Judge, in which serious hurt and homicide had been caused by persons under the influence of alcohol, but not a single case of crime of any kind which had been committed under the influence of bhang or ganja. With regard to the cases of hurt, etc., which I disposed of as a Magistrate, it is possible that my memory may be at fault, but this is not probable in regard to the cases of homicide which I have disposed of as Sessions Judge. 54. I have heard it said, or perhaps rather seen it written, that people committing violent crime had previously fortified themselves with ganja, but no case of the kind has ever come under my observation, or been reported to me as far as I can recollect. 55. I do not remember a case of the kind coming under my own observation, but I have heard of cases in which ganja has been used as the vehicle for the administration of dhatura. I do not believe that complete stupefaction can be induced by ganja alone. - Evidence of COLONEL M. M. BOWIE, Commissioner, Nerbudda Division.
43. Yes. 51, 52 and 53. The moderate use of ganja (smoking) has no necessary connection with crime of any kind, but its excessive use may lead to the commission of crimes of violence by reason of the mental derangement produced. 54. No case of the kind has come under my notice in my magisterial experience. - Evidence of MR. F. C. ANDERSON, Officiating Commissioner, Nagpur
43. I think they are. 51. I think the first part of this question must be answered in the affirmative. I don't believe that people are bad characters because they smoke ganja. But bad characters are generally people who are keen on getting as much pleasure out of life as they can, and ganja being cheap, they go in extensively for that. 53. I have never known personally of such a case. 54. I have never had this fact proved in evidence before me. 55. I think this is occasionally done. I can remember two or three instances during the time I have been a Magistrate in which I was satisfied that the victim had been drugged with ganja. But in no case was stupefaction produced to the best of my recollection - Evidence of MR. A. C. DUFF, Deputy Commissioner, Jubbulpore.
43. Quite inoffensive. 51. to 54. I am not qualified to speak on the subject, as I have never sought in ganja smoking an inducive to commit crime. The only case specially brought under my notice during five years' magisterial work is one that occurred recently in Burhanpur. A Muhammadan, who was subject to 'mental aberrations said to be due to ever-in -dulgence in ganja, on two occasions was arrested for breach of the peace. The police considered him a lunatic, but his fit was soon over, and he was sent back to his people. Surgeon-Major Quayle knows the case. I have asked him to note on the matter in the answers to these questions submitted by him. - Evidence of MR. B. ROBERTSON, Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.
43.Moderate consumers are quite inoffensive. - Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.
43. They are inoffensive. 51. Bad characters are not as a rule habitual moderate consumers of these drugs, but their
associations are such that they soon imbibe all the vices of their associates, and in time they take to the use of these drugs; but a large proportion of these men are not habitual consusumers of this drug. 53. No. 54. No; but criminals take these drugs in order that they may not feel the after—effects. In case they have to run or undertake long journeys they do not feel the effects. 55. I have heard instances of criminals induc-ing their victims to partake of ganja or bhang, or even majum. The latter is given to children as it is sweet and they readily take it, and when they are somewhat intoxicated they are deprived of their ornaments. In giving ganja to smoke, dhatura is mixed to make it more intoxicating and make the victim insensible. Question 55.[oral evidence]—A case occurred in Narsinghpur in 1878 in which dhatura was given, but I do not remember the details of it. That is the only case I could call to mind. The victim was a smoker, and the object was ornament-stealing. - Evidence of BHARGOW LAXMON GADGIT, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Nagpur.
43. Moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 53. The excessive indulgence in ganja smoking incites unpremeditated, violent crime. Recently I saw a case of a man who went mad owing to excessive ganja smoking, and in that state of his mind he killed his own uncle who had remained to watch him. There was no ill-feeling between them. There was no motive of the murder except perhaps the uncle did not allow him the use of ganja. The story is that after the man having gone mad, the murdered man and his brother sat to watch the murderer. In the meantime the former slept near him telling his brother to keep a watch. Shortly after the murderer told the latter to go to sleep, saying that there was no necessity of a watch as he had become quite sane. On this the man went away. The murderer then got up, brought an axe from inside a room, and struck a blow with it to his sleeping uncle, and ran away, and concealed the axe and washed his wearing clothes. He confessed all these facts to the police, and other persons the following day. He, however, denied subsequently all knowledge before the magistrate. There was no other motive for this murder, which, I believe, was due to homicidal frenzy. 55. Criminals put bhang or ganja in some sweetmeats, generally the preparation is called majum, and give it to their victims, and thus stupefy them completely if a sufficient quantity is mixed. Question 53.—In this case the man was first acquitted on the ground of insanity by Diwan Banmali Misr. The Commissioner of the Division quashed the proceedings. The Raja and I tried the case and convicted the man and sentenced him to imprisonment for life. He had become violent from the use of ganja a fortnight before, and his uncle put him under restraint and refused him ganja. Suddenly he planned to get his uncle asleep, and then killed him. There was no enquiry as to any madness in the family. His uncles were not mad. I think his frenzy was due to previous ganja smoking. By homicidal frenzy, I understand a desire to kill a man, no matter who it might be. The man's name is Khairuth.Napatti, convicted October or November 1892. Question 55.[oral evidence]—I know of a Nagpur case in which a sweetmeat called " majum " was given ; but I do not know what its ingredients were. - Evidence of TRIMBAK RAO SATHE, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and Diwan of the Sonepur State.
43. Yes. 51. No. 52. Excessive use may lead to crime. When a man is a habitual ganja smoker and he has not got money to purchase it, he may likely commit theft. There is, however, no necessary connection with these drugs and the crime in general. 53. I do not think so ; I know of no case of homicidal frenzy. 54. Such cases are very exceptional. 55. No. To complete stupefaction it is necessary to mix dhatura or other drugs with the drugs. Criminals sometimes administer such preparations to stupefy their victims. Question 54.[oral evidence]—I know no such case. Question 55.[oral evidence]—Dhatura, oleander roots, jowari roots, aconite are all used to increase the strength of ganja. Arsenic is avoided owing to its dangerous quality. I do not think that betelnut is used ; it is not intoxicating. Nutmeg is. I do not know of opium being used. What I have named above are used by excessive consumers. Dhatura seed is what criminals use. I have heard of cases, but never seen one. I have not heard of dhatura leaves being used. I do not know whether they are poisonous. - Evidence of RAGHUNATH RAO, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Damoh
43. They are not so offensive as those who indulge in these drugs excessively. They trouble their neighbours somewhat by coughing a great deal in the night and by their sour disposition. 51. The bad characters generally use these drugs in order to prepare themselves for some deed of violence, such as house-breaking, robbery and dacoity. 52. An excessive consumer is too much intoxi-cated to do any act of violence. The indulgence in these drugs weakens constitution, and thus renders the consumer quite unfit for any deed of violence. I have come across cases in which the police have made a criminal confess his crime by making him smoke ganja excessively. 53. Yes, the excessive indulgence in these drugs, especially in ganja, incites to unpremeditated violent crimes, such as homicide, grievous hurt and suicide. I learn two cases of this nature took place in Khairagarh which amounted to homicide : — (1) One Khushal went to a " marrar " shop where he smoked ganja excessively, then drawing his sword killed the " marrar." (2) One Hira Singh smoked ganja excessively and killed Hera, a blacksmith. 54. Yes, they do. Sometimes the wrestlers take bhang before wrestling. 55. Yes, the criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of these drugs, specially ganja. As a magistrate a case was brought before me, in which a man was robbed when subject to stupefaction produced by ganja. Generally, criminals add dhatura and thoar leaves to enhance intoxication. Only ganja smoking is enough to stupefy those who never smoke it. Bhang does not produce so much effect, it only causes giddiness. Question 53.[oral evidence]—The case of Khusal is not within my personal knowledge, nor is that of Hera Singh. They occurred 10 years ago or more. I can men' tion no others. The facts, however, are generally well known. Question. 55.[oral evidence]—It is probable that dhatura was used in the case described. - Evidence of SYED MOHAMED HUSAIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner ; Diwan, Khairagarh State.
43. Yes; they are. 51. No. 52. The excessive use of this drug makes a man weak and lazy. He is therefore unable to earn his livelihood and resorts to crime. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual excessive smokers. 53. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy ; but it is probable that excessive indulgence in any of these drugs may incite to such crime. 54. Yes ; but not as a rule. 55. Yes, complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug without admixture in case of a weak man who is not addicted to any kind of intoxication. Question 52.[oral evidence]—I think that a large proportion of bad characters are addicted either to hemp drugs or to some intoxicants. As a clerk of court and as magistrate, I have seen many accused persons, and know that a large proportion use intoxicants. Ganja is more used by the criminal classes than other intoxicants because it is cheaper ; but it is less demoralising than madak, though more so than liquor, which is weaker. I think many sadhus and bairagis are of bad character. Question 55.[oral evidence]—I have myself experienced this stupefaction. Once at a Ganesh Chhaturthi feast I smoked ganja (unwittingly) in a pipe of tobacco, and was insensibly asleep for two hours. I could have been robbed. I do not believe there was any dhatura. I never heard so. I was told there had been ganja put in the pipe. I have no recollection of what happened at the entertainment. I smoked tobacco then in a chilam, and always swallowed the smoke. I took three pulls at the chilam and then felt insensible. I suffered from bronchial trouble, and have been ordered to give up smoking my tobacco through a chilam, I now smoke cheroots, etc. I have never smoked ganja but that once. - Evidence of RAM KRISHNA RAO, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Bhandara.
43. Yes, they are inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. Very seldom. I know of one case of an excessive ganja smoker where there was homicidal frenzy. 54. No ; on the other hand, I have known cases where the use of these drugs (bhang an d ganja) will stupefy them and make them unfit for any action. 55. Yes, the criminals do this to their victims. Yes, without admixture, by bhang drinking alone complete stupefaction can take place. - Evidence of BATUK BHARTHY, Superintendent of Kalahandi State
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours, but its offensive smell is not liked, and their company will spoil their children, therefore the people do not like them as neighbours. 51. I do not think that its moderate use in any way affects the crime in general or in particular. Some of the bad characters, who use ganja, commit petty thefts, but not in a larger proportion. 52. As stated in No. 51. 53. I have not seen such a case, nor do I know of any case that the consumer's brain was so turned out as to attempt murder. 54. I have not seen such cases. 55. I have seen two or three instances when criminals robbed their victims by administering ganja mixed with other intoxicating drugs, such as dhatura. Ganja alone I don't think can stupefy completely. - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State.
43. Yes. They are inoffensive (ganja smokers). 51. No. Few ganja smokers will be found among bad characters. Moderate use does not tend to commit crime. 52. As above. 55. Very rarely done. Yes. - Evidence of T. GOONDIAH, Tahsildar, Janjgir, Bilaspur District.
43. Yes. 53 and 54. No; excessive ganja would make a man foolish and not foolhardy. 55. No, it would not induce stupefaction like dhatura. - Evidence* of MUNSHI THAKHT SINGH, pensioned Tahsildar, Bata, District Damoh.
43. The moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. No. They don't form bad characters. Sometimes their temper is a little changed. 52. Somewhat or little change in their disposition becomes apparent in the excessive consumers. The excessive indulgence in ganja incites sometimes to unpremeditated actions, but not to crimes of a violent nature. 54. I don't think they are so used. 55. No complete stupefaction is caused by this drug if unmixed with other drugs. - Evidence of CHINTAMANI NAND VIDYÂ BHUSHANA, Uria Brahmin, late Tahsildar, Sonepur, Sambalpur.
43. Ordinarily, they are inoffensive to their neighbours. But if they are unnecessarily spoken to or reproached they will fall out. 51. I cannot say ; there is no connection of moderate use of the drug with crime of any type. 52. I am unable to say anything on the point. 53. No. Never have I heard of any such occurrence. 54. No. 55. (a) Yes, but not without the admixture of " dhatura." (b) No. - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA. KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur
43. The neighbours are not at all troubled by moderate consumers, but the persons sitting in the same compartment perceive a bad smell and abhorrence of the smell emitted by the puffs of the smoke. 51. Generally persons of bad character smoke ganja and charas. The noblemen abstain from it. People often commit offences in a state of intoxication. 52. Persons much addicted to the use of ganja are wrathful, and on account of intoxication their sense becomes defective, which leads them to commit offences. 53. No such case has occurred in which a person who has smoked ganja committed homicide. In fact a man dies when he is deadly intoxicated all of a sudden. 54. In certain cases no doubt mischievous persons smoke ganja in order to increase their excitement, so that they may become fearless. 55. Generally mischievous persons in order to increase their determination and strength, smoke the drug excessively. Sometimes the smoke of the drug emitted by the puffs affects the brain too much, which really makes them senseless. In other cases it is not so effective. - Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.
43. Yes. 51. No. 52. Many bad characters are excessive consumers of bhang and ganja (especially the latter). Excess tends rather to crimes, especially murder, as it makes the person affected angry. I have known one or two cases of murders while under influence of hemp. 53. Yes, to violent crime sometimes. In one case a man tried to kill a woman while under the influence of ganja. The man's name was Paltu. I do not know if he was under provocation or if he had any reason for the act. I don't know of any case when a man under the influence of hemp tried to kill or killed another for no reason. 54 and 55. I do not know. - Evidence of BRIJMOHUN PATNAIK, Mahanti, Treasurer, Sambalpur.
43. Yes, they are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. In this district a large proportion of bad characters are not known to be habitual moderate consumers. I have not found any connection between the moderate use of hemp with crime in general or with crime of any sort. 53. The habitual indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to any unpremeditated crime, though there are some known cases where, on the first start of the habit, the consumer has had a temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No, these drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or crime. 55. Yes, complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs without admixture. Question 53.[oral evidence]—I was told that three men, one of whom was a servant of mine, a Dher, had indulged in a bowl of bhang mixed with massala. The Dher became uproarious to the extent of threatening people's lives. The other men were simply stupefied. I had no information of the poisons (nux vomica or dhatura) being mixed with the drug. The Dher himself told me about it, and how he bad been tied up. These men were not addicted to bard drinking or ganja smoking. Question 55.[oral evidence]—My answer is based on information, not personal observation. - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda.
43. Yes, they are, if they are not by nature quarrelsome ; but generally they are easily provoked and become offensive. - Evidence of MUNSHI MAHOMED GHOUSE, Extra Assistant Conservator of Forests, Raipur.
43. I should answer in the affirmative. 51. Yes. Nearly all bad characters are consumers to a greater or less degree. The dissolute habits engendered by its use leads to crime against property. 53. Yes, I think so. Running] " amok " is, I should say, always the result of excessive indulgence. Question 51.[oral evidence] —In jails a large number of casuals might not be found to be consumers; but I think that if you got at the truth you would find fifty per cent. of the habituals to be consumers. I should say that over a whole jail, like the Jabalpur jail, the average would be over twenty-five per cent. I think that all habituals, as now defined, are not bad characters properly so called. Therefore I conclude that more than fifty percent. of bad characters are consumers. The excessive consumer is a dissolute person who will not work. Therefore he has a tendency to commit offences against property when he runs out of cash. This does not refer to the moderate use. I cannot refer to cases ; but I fancy every magistrate has had such cases. Question 53.[oral evidence]—When a man is smarting under the sense of wrong, he takes to his ganja or bhang and uses it to excess. Under the influence of the drug thus used to excess and smarting under the sense of wrong, he runs " amok." I have never had experience of such a case. I only state what I have heard. But I have seen cases of insubordination and unusual violence of behaviour, due to the sense of discipline being lost by indulgence at the time in these drugs. I do not know of any admixture of other drugs being used in the bhang in such cases of running "amok " as I have described. The man who was thus smarting under the sense of wrong would smoke or drink according to his habit. The usual statement is that the man has used bhang before running " amok." But the violence and insubordination of behaviour which has come to my notice have been, I think, due to ganja or bhang, I cannot say which. - Evidence of COLONEL H. HUGHES HALLET, Officiating Inspector-General of Police and Prisons. Central Provinces.
51. In towns especially, I think a large proportion of the bad characters are moderate consumers of hemp drugs. In the districts the proportion of moderate consumers is smaller than in towns. These drugs are generally made use of by gamb lers. Whether the drugs lead to the gambling or the gambling to the drugs, I am not prepared to say, but that there is a connection between drugs and the criminals, through the channel of gambling, there is no doubt ; when the gambler is short of funds, he takes to stealing. 52. The excessive use of these drugs sometimes leads to the commission of crime of a more serious nature. I know of several instances which have occurred from time to time during my service of 26 years, but having no notes, I am unable to give details. I particularly remember an instance of a Banjara in Balaghat who killed two or three per sons after smoking ganja to excess. Similarly, I remember an instance of a Gond who killed his brother in the Chanda district. Another Gond who was given to the excessive use of ganja, ran amok in the Bilaspur district. I know of many instances, but cannot recall the details now. 53. An excessive use of hemp products, especi ally ganja, often leads to unpremeditated violent crime; instances quoted above. It also causes the death of the consumers, who, when the system is saturated to a certain extent, sometimes drop dead after taking a long pull. In my experience, at least four or five such cases have occurred. I am unable to give the names of the parties or the districts in which these cases occurred, as I am talking of an experience of twenty-six years. I however remember the cases well. I know of several instances in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. Many persons in this state have in my experience been arrested and locked up, or sent to the lunatic asylum, before they were able to do much harm. 54. Yes, often. It is notorious that Ghazis " bhang " themselves when they wish to fight or to run amok. I know of several instances in which criminals have taken bhang, ganja, or liquor but never an instance of opium. 55. Yes. Criminals induce their victims to take bhang or smoke ganja, so that they may be so stupefied as to be unable to understand the nature of the crime to be committed, or to make any resistance. Complete stupefaction is not often induced by these drugs without admixture, but the drugs are used as a medium. I can remember instances in Hoshangabad, Betul, and Khandwa in which a mixture of bhang and dhatura was administered to victims who were robbed. One or two cases occurred on the railway, and some were committed by a famous poisoner. I have on more than one occasion recovered ganja, bhang, and dhatura seed, more or less mixed, from the possession of suspected poisoners. Question 52.[oral evidence]—The Balaghat case was about eighteen years ago. As far as I remember, the criminal was a Banjara. He killed his own wife and two members of the tanda. It was not a case of jealousy ; but I cannot say whether there was any cause of quarrel picked. I investigated the case as District Superintendent of Police. I remember ganja was alleged as the cause. My recollection is that he was convicted ; but I cannot be certain. It was above the Ghats. The man was probably also a liquor drinker ; for most Banjaras drink. He ran "amok " with an axe. He had not, I think, been in that state before. H e was placed under observation ; and my recollection is that he was held responsible for his act. But the people of his tanda alleged the excessive use of ganja as the cause of his out break. Many Banjaras (especially of the higher castes that do not drink) take ganja. I cannot say whether there had been any admixture in the ganja. Banjaras are a people rather given to violence. The Chanda case was about fifteen years ago. It was in the family of a petty zamindar near Panabaras. The man killed his brother or cousin. I think it was in respect to a succession in which he would be benefited. I think the man was convicted. He was placed under observation before trial. His friends (I think) alleged ganja in excess as the cause. But my recollection is that he was tried and convicted. Most Gonds drink. Some take ganja. This man was perhaps a liquor drinker ;but he was a Raj-Gond, who profess at least not to drink. Gonds are often addicted to crimes of violence. The Gond is the man who is generally employed to commit a crime of violence; and Gonds readily confess such crimes. The Bilaspur case was a recent case, in 1890; or 1891. The Gond ran " amok." He tried to kill his wife and son, but they escaped as he was getting the weapon, and he rushed out of the house and killed the first two people he met with the sword. He had asked for food. His wife proceeded to serve it. He came in an excited state and proceeded to get his sword. Suspecting that he was off his head, the wife and son ran off. Two people (a man and woman) who were going to see what was the matter were cut down by him. He had, I think, been in a similar state once or twice before. This occurred in a village near the outpost of Kanteli. He was arrested by the Mungeli Police, sword in hand, next day. believe he was sent to the Nagpur Lunatic Asylum by the Magistrate. I cannot be certain whether there was any family history in this case. He had gone off his head several times before, but had done no act of violence. He was regarded as dangerous in this state. His friends ascribed this to ganja, and (I think) said that he took no liquor ; but he may have taken liquor. My Assistant; Rai Bahadur Dinanath, tells me that the case he mentions in his answer No. 52 (which is similar to my Bilaspur case) was a Chanda case, which occurred about four years ago when he was there. Question 53.[oral evidence]—I know of some cases in which a man died suddenly while taking ganja. I remember three cases. I did not see any of them; but the cases have been reported to me. There was an inquest in each case ; but I know that none of them was sent for post mortem. It was said in each case that the man was a habitual excessive smoker. One dropped into the fire he was sitting by. I remember one case at least of a report of a man dropping dead after a deep inhalation while smoking tobacco. There was no post mortem. I have had several cases of death from spirit drinking, principally from exposure, lying out in the cold night, and also from excessive drink. So far as I remember, the three ganja cases were not men physically weak or in want. One of them was a dooly-bearer. This class uses ganja largely. The people thought that it was " the very long pull " that killed. I remember that this was specially said by the people in one or two of the cases. It was the long pull before passing the chillum to another member of the party. I think there was no rush of blood from the mouth in any of these cases; it was not mentioned I cannot recall any special case of homicidal frenzy arising from the excessive use of ganja. But I have heard of fifteen or twenty, or probably double that number of cases of persons arrested in a violent condition and prevented from doing harm by detention in asylums, etc. These cases were attributed to ganja. It may have been bhang; but this is little used here. Ganja is generally taken as ganja (smoked) or majum. refer to the cases sent up to asylums in which men are described as insane ; their insanity is attributed to ganja, and they are described as "dangerous to the public," Sometimes they have been found with weapons in their hands. I cannot, speaking generally, refer such cases to any particular class ; but they are principally among the low class of Hindus. In a few instances I verified the reports. I have often asked whether there was any admixture; and sometimes the friends have acknowledged that the man was addicted to two or three different drugs. When such cases come up before me, I send them on to the Magistrate with complete report. If I have opportunity at the time I make inquiry locally. I am, however, generally bound to be content with examining the people who come up with the man. I enquire whether he used other drugs. I also sometimes ask about whether he has been previously insane or any other member of his family. I do not conduct other special enquiry. If excessive use of ganja is proved, I consider that a satisfactory explanation of his insanity. If the man is under the observation of the civil Surgeon, he often asks me about points in the case. I then make enquiry if I am in camp near the place and send in the results. This would depend on whether the original report was full enough in details. If a man goes on to the asylum, no such further inquiry is made. I do not fill up the special form. I merely report in my own language. The question of taking ganja and that regarding family history of insanity have been referred back to me when I have not given that information I therefore generally do give that information. I would not think of asking about epilepsy, syphilis, or injury to the head, not being a medical man. I would not thus go into the history of the ease. Nor do I go into the question of malarial fever. Question 54.[oral evidence]—I think that ganja or bhang taken to give Dutch courage is not mixed. I have known such instances. It is taken precisely as a liquor drinker takes liquor. Men not infrequently take whatever intoxicant they use to fortify themselves for any serious undertaking such as a difficult burglary or an agrarian riot. By the words " wishing to run amok," I mean that the man has made up his mind to commit a specific murder or crime of violence. The intoxicant is taken that a man may not turn back from his purpose. I think that liquor is more often used than any other intoxicant. I cannot recall any special instance at present of such use of hemp drugs or other intoxicants. But the cases are constantly coming up. Question 55.[oral evidence]—The Khurai (Saugor) case mentioned by my Assistant, Rai Bahadur Dinanath, in answering question 55 is not known to me. It occurred either in 1891 or 1892. I think that the Rai Bahadur is right in saying that the hemp drugs alone will not " affect the brain," if he means that they will not stupefy without admixture. - Evidence of MR. F. A. NAYLOR, District Superintendent of Police, Saugor,
51. No. The habit of the drug first commenced by those given to debauchery owing to being in bad company and the second are those who have fallen in and are friendly with fakirs : the latter seldom or never commit any crime, but in the former only those who are driven to beggary do commit petty thefts for the sake of the price of the drug. It is only those of the low castes that do so. Therefore the increase of crime is not owing to the use of the drug. It is generally put down to those who are addicted to the use of the drug, as one would most readily believe that it is their doing. 52. The consumption of these drugs does not increase violent or petty crime, in fact the men addicted to it are really fit for nothing, as they could hardly do any work, and as mentioned in 51, it is only the very low castes that would do so and that seldom. 53. No, seldom. But should any one exceed the amount usually taken, he in a way loses his senses, and in a quarrel he would strike a man with anything he might at the time have in his hand ; (in that state his action would come under section 95, P. Code) but this is seldom even done. 54. No. In fact, criminals do not indulge in drugs, but they would administer the same to their victims and rob them. 55. Yes, they do ; but they cannot stupefy them alone with the drug ; they always admix dhatura seeds. The way this is done ;—they first mix ganja and dhatura, this they half fill a chillum, and have it at hand ; when they find a victim they bring out this chillum, and in his presence fill it with tobacco; he first smokes and at once knows when the tobacco is burnt; he then makes it over to his victim ; on smoking he smokes the ganja and dhatura and gets quite stupefied over it. - Evidence of SARDAR BAHADUR RUTTAN SINGH, Sikh, District Superintendent of Police, Sambalpur.
51. A large proportion of bad characters, habitual, are moderate consumers of ganja : such persons commit petty thefts and simple hurt cases. The rule holds equally in the case of opium smoking and liquor imbibing. I was under the impression that I must confine my reply to ganja smoking alone. The connection in my opinion between ganja and crime is that of cause and effect. Habitual bad characters are generally idle men who do no work or can get no work, and as they have contracted the habit of smoking ganja and opium and drinking liquor, they do not feel up to work, but as they must more or less have these drugs, they are necessitated to commit petty thefts. I can instance a case in which a man who was addicted to the consumption of these drugs was caught red-handed removing a lota. On search several articles were traced to ganja and opium shops that he had pawned for a few pills of opium and ganja. He admitted the thefts and pointed out the complainants, and said he was fond of smoking ganja and opium, and as he could indulge in them just by stealing petty articles, he had taken to committing petty thefts. Though he had been several times convicted, yet the temptation was too much. Twelve petty thefts were brought to light against him. 52. The use of the intoxicating drugs obtained from hemp to excess tends to make the consumers more violent, and violent crimes are often committed by such men. In this connection, namely, that ganja causes crimes of violence, I can cite a case in which a Gond malguzar, who was habituated to excessive ganja smoking imagined under the effects of the drug, that his wife was not going to give him food. This thought worked so strongly in his imagination that he suddenly picked. up a " pharsi" and rushed upon his wife : she, however, evaded him. He then ran out into the street and " ran amok," killing a woman and a man whom he had never seen before, believing that the former was his wife and the latter had set her on not to give him food. 53. Yes, such tribes as " Gond, " " Maria" and " Punka," etc., often commit un premeditated crimes, under the influence of excessive indulgence of these drugs : such tribes are found in Chanda and Bastar. In one case in Chanda to my knowledge, a Gond who was excessively addicted to the indulgence of these drugs asked his wife for some water, and on her telling him to help himself to it, in a sudden fit of homicidal frenzy, murdered her with an axe and then admitted that he had done the deed under the effect of ganja. 54. Yes, criminals make use of such drugs and to give them false courage when they wish to commit violent crime. In this connection, have had cases in which Banjaras, when going to commit dacoity, highway robbery, have previously smoked ganja or drunk liquor, to give them courage to commit these offences. 55. Often criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of these drugs. But mere ganja will not affect the brain, unless it is mixed with dhatura seeds or charas. As for instance, in Khurai, zilla Saugor, a large weekly cattle market is held. One Ganpat Goojer of Piperia-chore, pargana Rahatgarh, contracted friendship with three men who had come with cattle for sale to the market. After that, the accused mixed dhatura seeds with ganja and induced the three men to partake of it. When they were found intoxicated, Ganpat Goojer bolted away with cattle and valuables of these three men. He was arrested in February 1879, and in the cases tried by Colonel Ward, then the Deputy Commissioner of Saugor, the accused was found guilty, and was sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR PANDIT DINA NATH, Assistant District Superintendent of Police, Saugor.
51. Amongst the habitual moderate consumers of these drugs, bad characters are in excess. Most criminals belong to the menial castes, and amongst them the consuming of these drugs is a custom, there being no caste prejudices against the taking thereof. Criminals are severally addicted to liquor, ganja, opium and bhang. Amongst the following criminal tribes, viz.:—Pasi, Rehria, Badak, Bouria or Mogia, Mina, Net, Banjara, Kanjar, Sansi, Behria, Bansaria, Kola Bhuti, Rajputs, Kikaria, other bad characters and menial castes, it is quite a custom to indulge in these drugs. The criminal population of Malwa and Rajputana are addicted to both liquor and opium. The inhabitants of the North-Western and Central Provinces are generally addicted to liquor ; and those persons who go about in the guise of bairagis and fakirs become habitual consumers of ganja and bhang from constant intercourse with fakirs. In short, I have seen no criminal who is not addicted to some kind of drug taking, or in whose caste or tribe the taking of these drugs is prohibited. Now, it remains to be seen whether criminals take to these drugs for the commission of crime, or whether these habits are contracted because they are of certain castes. As far as I know, these people do not take drugs for the purpose of committing crime or of becoming criminals ; but they take to it at an early age from the example set them by their parents, or from custom and fellowship. The commencement of the taking of these drugs has no connection with crime whatever ; but when from constant use persons become habitual consumers and cannot do without drugs, etc., and the means to procure them are no longer at hand, then to satisfy their cravings they become habitual criminals ; but it does not necessarily follow that they become criminals from the beginning of their addiction to these drugs. 52. In the present time I have observed that criminals are greatly addicted, as a general rule, to liquor and opium and to a lesser extent to ganja and bhang. The criminal classes of Malwa and Rajputana go in largely for opium and liquor, and the latter is largely consumed by the criminals of the North-Western Provinces, Those persons who move about in the guise of bairagis and fakirs are much addicted to ganja and bhang, and they acquire this habit from constant intercourse with bairagis and fakirs in their peregrinations. Some habitual criminals, with the intention of passing themselves off as bairagis and fakirs, use these drugs, so that they may be looked upon as bairagis and fakirs and not as criminals. The taking of these drugs does not render any assistance in the commission of crime. 53. In my experience, extending over a period of 30 years' service, I know of three cases in which the commission of crime without any premeditation whatever was due to the indulgence in intoxicating drugs. One case occurred at Handia 20 years or so ago. Guppu Singh and other constables drank bhang, and while under the influence of bhang, Guppu Singh constable wounded one of his comrades with a sword. The wounded man narrowly escaped death. Guppu Singh was sentenced to 7 years' imprisonment for attempting murder. The second case is one in which Mangal Singh, constable of the Harda town police, was killed by Mr. Clarke by a blow with a stick while the latter was under the influence of liquor. Mr. Clarke was sent to Calcutta. This occurred twenty-nine years ago. The third case is that of a Nat, whose name I do not remember ; and the occurrence took place in the Matkuli ilaka. The Nat, after smoking ganja, suddenly attacked his wife and killed her. He subsequently became a lunatic and was sent to Jabalpur. This took place about 25 years ago. Besides the above cases, in my investigations no other cases have occurred in which premeditation to some extent did not exist. 54. Habitual criminals do certainly take liquor, opium and intoxicating drugs just before the commission of a crime, but this is simply to remove fatigue and not that it makes the commission of the crime any easier or emboldens them. They know that the moderate use of liquor or opium prevents fatigue. When habitual criminals are about to commit a crime, they take liquor or opium in very small quantities, in order that they may not be rendered unfit by fatigue when they arrive at the scene of their operations, and thus lay their lives open to danger. I ascertained the above during my investigation into the dacoity cases which occurred in the villages of Rehra and Bhunnas. The dacoits were Moghias by caste. 55. Habitual criminals cannot induce their victims to partake of opium and ganja with a view to committing crime. These drugs cannot be administered to persons who are not addicted to them. Now, as regards those persons addicted to them, opium has its set rules. The person accustomed to a certain quantity cannot take or be induced to take a larger quantity. Opium cannot be administered to a person in food or drink. It has such a peculiar smell and taste that the person to whom it is given will at once be able to detect its presence. Unless a man takes it to commit suicide no one else can administer it to him. There is complete stupefaction in ganja, but its effects lasts only for ten minutes. The eating of ganja will not cause unconsciousness. In short, a criminal cannot gain his ends by the administration of either of these drugs. The bhang drinker can become unconscious and the administrator can cause unconsciousness by giving bhang in large quantities. The stupefaction can be induced by this drug without admixture, and it takes a long time for the effects to wear off. The same applies to the excessive use of liquor, and criminals go in largely for using bhang and liquor as the unconsciousness caused by their administration lasts a long time, which gives them every opportunity for the commission of crime. - Evidence* of SAYAD MOHOMED TAKI, Inspector of Police, Hoshangabad.
51. I do not think that more than 20 per cent. of the bad characters are moderate smokers of these drugs in this city. These ganja smokers commit petty thefts only. 52. About 10 per cent, of the bad characters of this city are excessive ganja smokers ; they are not addicted to any special class of crime, but commit petty thefts like the others when driven to it for want of funds to obtain the drug. 53. The excessive use of this drug incites bad characters to quarrel with people and ultimately to fight. Bairagis and sadhns are much addicted to the use of the drug, and I have known an instance in which one sadhu, when excited under the excessive indulgence of ganja, killed a fellow sadhu. 51. I do not think these drugs are used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a pre -meditated act of violence or other crime, but in almost 90 cases out of 100 criminals indulge in liquor for the above purpose. 55. I have not heard of instances in which criminals resort to these drugs to stupefy their victims. The common article used is dhatura seed; complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug. 1 have known cases in which persons have put ganja into a " chillam " and induced a friend to smoke it (in joke), making him believe it was tobacco, and the result was serious. - Evidence of MR. PASLEY,* Inspector of Police and Superintendent of City Police, Jabalpur.
43. Not so; they are quarrelsome and labour under imaginary harm of their neighbours. 51. They become petulant and quarrelsome and subject to fits of anger, resort to violence, and are averse to labour. Want tempts them to commit theft. 52. The same as above, and more callous. They lose self-respect, and become careless and indifferent to their families and thus hundreds have to work for their living or beg, and many of their females become unvirtuous. 53. Most certainly. I have known many, of which I can give a few instances that came under my observation. 54. I have no knowledge of any. 55. In past years crimes were committed of theft and murder on the high road by inducing travellers to smoke and drink bhang. Often the seeds of dhatura were added, when complete stupefaction was produced. Complete stupefaction can be produced with ganja in drink or smoke. I have attended persons in this state brought to me for treatment. Question 52.[oral evidence]—The women become unvirtuous from want of means of livelihood. The same may be said of liquor, or of anything that tends to poverty. Question 55.[oral evidence]—The complete stupefaction produced by ganja alone is generally in the case of the first attempt to use the drug - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi
43. Yes, quite inoffensive. 51. No. The only connection would seem to be that the poorer classes use ganja largely, and these furnish the larger proportion of offenders in all countries. 52. Uncertain. 53. No. 54. No exact information, but it is possible. Criminals under sentence of death, who had run " amuck," have told me that they were addicted to ganja, nux vomica and other drugs ; that the same had been secretly administered to them ; but I could place no reliance on their statements as they were evidently seeking commutation of sentence. 55. Complete stupefaction cannot be produced by hemp alone. The admixture of dhatura is sometimes practised for this purpose. Question 54[oral evidence]—I remember two cases, one in 1889 and one in 1890 or 1891. The men were executed. Question 55.[oral evidence]—My opinion is based on enquiries, and I refer only to ganja smoking. Bhang, they say, is never taken to such excess as to produce stupefaction, and that it would not be possible to rob a person while he was under the intoxication of bhang or ganja. - Evidence of APOTHECARY J. PRENTIE, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara.
43. Yes, generally they are inoffensive. 53. It is very likely that excessive indulgence in ganja would incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, and though I do not actually know of any case in which it has led to homicidal frenzy, I consider it quite possible. 55. There are some recorded cases where criminals did induce their victims to partake of bhang, mixed with dhatura, with a view to stupefy them. I do not know of any case where complete stupefaction has been induced by this drug without admixture. - Evidence of DOORGA DAS SEN, Baidya, Assistant Surgeon, Warora.
43. The moderate consumers cannot be said to be absolutely inoffensive to their neighbours, because they acquire peevish nature even by the moderate use. 51. So far as I can judge, the proportion of habitual moderate consumers among bad characters is from 10 to 15 per cent. The connection which the moderate use has with general crime is that the consumers commit crimes with impunity, and encouragement caused by influence of smoking ganja especially. 52. The proportion of excessive consumers among bad characters is from 5 to 8 per cent. as appears from general observation. The exeessive consumer is likely to commit crimes of more serious nature. 53. Of course excessive indulgence very rarely incites unpremeditated crimes of violence, such as homicide and offences against chastity. I remember to have read in some medical works that a consumer murdered a man by strangulation while in the state of intoxication from the effect of ganja. 54. Yes ; the criminals intending to commit acts of violence have been known to use ganja to fortify themselves. 55. Criminals in order to carry out their designs often induce victims to partake any of these drugs, so that they may be stupefied, to afford every possibility of being deprived of their property. These cases generally are to be met with during journeys. A man can be completely stupefied by being administered ganja and charas, but criminals generally mix dhatura for the purpose. Question 51.[oral evidence]—There is a slip here : what I mean by "with impunity" is " without fear." Question 53.[oral evidence]—By " very rarely," I mean occasionally, but very rarely. Question 55.[oral evidence]—A man who does not take hemp drugs can be made senseless by pure ganja or other hemp drug. But not a habitual smoker. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD HABIBULLA, 1st grade Hospital Assistant, Seoni
43. Even the moderate consumers are often very offensive to their neighbours. Even by mo - derate use of these drugs the consumer becomes very irritative and peevish, and so is always as thorn in the side of his neighbour. 51. Almost all are of bad characters. 53. Yes. 54. Yes, these drugs and other intoxicating things are always used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence and other crimes. Whenever any one goes to murder, theft and other horrible crimes, he always takes some narcotic or alcoholic stimulant. 55. Yes, criminals often, in order to further designs, induce their victims to partake of their ganja or charas and so stupefy them. Those who are not addicted to the use of these drugs can be completely stupefied by these drugs without admixture. Question 53.[oral evidence]—My answer is based on the violence of ganja lunatics admitted to the Asylum. I have seen no such case outside the Asylum. - Evidence of MIR ZAMIN ALI, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Jabalpur
43. No. 51. There is no connection between ganja, smoking and bad character except in so far as the bad characters belong to the castes and classes who habitually use the drug. 53. It is possible. I know of no case of homicide or attempt caused under the influence of the drug. 54 and 55. I have not heard so. - Evidence of KHUSHALI RAM, Honorary Magistrate, Chhindwara.
43. Moderate consumers give no trouble. 51. I have not been able to trace the connection of crime solely to the consumption of this drug. But as bad characters generally belong to the lower classes, and as these classes of persons are very generally addicted to this vice, it generally appears that most of the bad characters are given to smoking ganja. As an Honorary Magistrate I find that the criminals who come before me are generally given to this sort of vice. 52. Of course the persons using this drug in excessive quantities are persons who are given to thefts and other offences. 53. I know of no case where the excessive in -dulgence of this drug has led any person to commit murder. 54. I have reasons to believe that criminals use these drugs to fortify themselves to commit pre -meditated acts of violence. Ganja smokers will never say this is the case, but I have reasons to believe that this is done. 55. In some instances criminals do so, but then they mix it with some such wild intoxicant as bachnag, arsenic, and dhatura; without such admixture this drug by itself is quite unable to induce complete stupefaction. Question 51.[oral evidence]—By criminals I mean thieves and such persons, not those charged with assault. I should expect 60 per cent. of thieves, robbers, etc., in jail to be ganja smokers; one-fourth of the whole jail population probably - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. I should say that about 95 per cent. of bad characters are ganja smokers either in moderate quantities or in excess. There is no special connection between ganja and crime. Ganja smoking does not cause a man to become a bad character ; but the bad characters are drawn from the lowest classes, who indulge most in ganja. 53. No. 54. No. 55. Both ganja, and bhang are used by criminals to stupefy their victims. Complete stupefaction can be produced by either drug without any admixture if the victim is not in the habit of using the drug. - Evidence of SETH BACHRAJ, Honorary Magistrate, Wardha
51. Though he indulges in it, yet he commits no crime. 52. These drugs do not lead persons to commit suicide. 54. These drugs are not used for criminal pur -poses. 55. The criminals, in order to further their de -signs to commit murder, do not induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs, as no complete stupefaction can be induced without an admixture of some other roots. - Evidence of MODAN MOHAN SET H, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
43. No. 51. No. I do not think there is any connection. 52. As above. 53. No. 54. Yes, occasionally. 55. Yes. They generally mix dhatura, sometimes kuchila. Complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture only in the case of people unaccustomed to ganja. - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur
. They become quarrelsome, but not to a very great extent. 51. Many bad characters smoke ganja, but I do not think the moderate use of ganja has any connection with crime in general or with any special class of crime. 52. Same as above. 53. No; I think not. 54. Yes. 55. No. - Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim
43. As the people of all classes are in the habit of using it (ganja) in our country, none of them are offensive to their neighbours or any one else. 51.The ganja appears to be used mostly by badmashes. Its excessive use is likely to result in the commission of grave offences through stupidity. 52.The excessive use of any of these drugs may produce insanity, which is likely to result in the commission of grievous hurt, murder, etc. 53.Excessive indulgence in these drugs incites to various kinds of violent and unpremeditated crimes. I have personally seen certain cases of assault, grievous hurt, etc. 54. Yes. 55.Those who do not consider their own in - terest may, in order to further their designs, stupefy themselves. Stupefaction can be induced by excessive use, even without any admixture. - Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District.
53. I have never had personal experience of any person committing violent crime or becoming mad in consequence of the use or abuse of ganja. - Evidence of BEHARI LAL, Banker and Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.
3. Some of the moderate consumers even cause trouble to their neighbours by picking quarrels with them. 51. The number of consumers among the badmashes does not seem to be a large one. 52. As above. 55. It has been now and then heard that offenders, in order to gain their object, make the person whom they wish to offend smoke ganja or bhang with them. One who never uses these drugs naturally becomes somewhat senseless by smoking or eating them in large quantities. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR SETH TIKA RAM, Brahmin, Money-lender and Malguzar, Narsinghpur
43. Yes.51. Ganja smokers are apt to fall into bad company, and so get into criminal ways. I do not think the use of these drugs conduces to crimes of passion. It leads to crimes of violence at times, as I have myself seen, but only when used by persons not used to them. 53. I have seen a boy, not used to ganja, on becoming intoxicated with it, kill his father in a fit of frenzy. I have no experience of any other crime being committed after its use. 54. Criminals do use these drugs for this purpose to fortify themselves. 55. Yes, but I have no personal experience of such a case. - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.
51. It undoubtedly blunts the moral sense. I have never seen a case of violence or rape when under influence of ganja or bhang. It leads to gambling. 53. No. 54. Criminals do fortify themselves with bhang or ganja. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District
43. Yes. 53. I never heard so. 55. I have sometimes heard that criminals, in order to further their design, induce their victims to stupefy themselves by partaking any of these drugs. But I cannot state this with certainty. - Evidence * of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda
43. Moderate consumers of bhang and ganja are inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. I never heard so. 55. I have sometimes heard that criminals, in order to further their design, induce their victims to stupefy themselves by partaking any of these drugs. But I cannot state this with certainty. - Evidence * of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda.
43. Yes. 51. (a) Yes. (b) No special class of crime is peculiarly com -mon with ganja smokers. Eaters of bhang are on the average of better character than ganja smokers. 53. No. No. 54. No. 55. (a) Yes, very often. (b) 'Be-hoshi' may be produced by smoking ganja, but not such complete stupefaction as by excessive eating of bhang. Dhatura is commonly mixed in bhang, not in ganja. - Evidence of CHANDI PERSHAD, Brahmin, Malguzar, and President, Municipal Committee, Chanda.
43. No. 51. Most of the bad characters are ganja smokers. One-third of the thefts and acts of violence committed are due to the effect of ganja smoking. 52. Excessive use leads to great " marpeets" and many of the acts of violence for which offen -ders are brought before the tribunals. 53. Yes. 54. Yes; when persons wish to commit crime at night, they sometimes smoke ganja to keep themselves awake during the night. 55. Yes. - Evidence of THAKUR MAHARAJ SINGH, RAI BAHADUR,* Malguzar, Saugor.
43. Yes, they are inoffensive to the neighbours. 51. A fair proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs, but the moderate use has no connection with crime, either in general or special. 52. Even the excessive use, unless when it produces insanity, does not tend towards crime. 53. Excessive indulgence does not seem to incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. I know of no cases in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No, these drugs ore not so used by criminals who are not habitual consumers. By habitual consumers they are so used. 55. Yes, criminals do sometimes induce their victims to partake of these drugs to stupefy them. Complete stupefaction can be produced by these drugs without admixture. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB BALWANTRAO GOVINDRAO BHUSKUTE, Brahmin, Jagirdar of Timborni, Barhanpar, .Nimar District.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. I do not know. 53. I do not know personally. I have heard that people commit sometimes murder or suicide, or try to do so, when under the influence of hemp, but I do not know of any particular case. 54 and 55. I do not know. - Evidence * of DAMODHAR DASS, Brahmin, Mafidar, Bargarh, Sambalpur District
43. They are not troublesome as liquor-drinkers are. The latter talk much and pick up quarrels, while the ganja smoker dozes off into sleep, or is found in an indifferent or empty mood. 53. I know of one case in the Chanda District. 54. Rebels are said to have done so during the time of the Mutiny. 55. I am informed that sometimes it is so done and that an inexperienced man can be completely stupefied by the smoking of ganja without any admixture in it. - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda
43. No; they are as a rule very disagreeable, and of the many persons I have seen I cannot bring one to my recollection regarding whom I could record a favourable opinion. Question 43. [oral evidence] — Ganja smokers are disagreeable in conversation and manner. They are quarrel -some. I do not include bhang in this opinion. 51. The people of India are proverbially lawabiding, much more so are the illiterate class. Ganja imparts them with temporary boldness for the commission of crimes. I have reasons for thinking that all criminal classes more or less indulge in this drug, and but for this drug few would make up their minds to break the law. I had one or two cases in which confirmed ganja-smokers evinced decided intention of homicidal violence, and in one case a confirmed smoker killed his own child. 52. The above applies to ganja and bhang. 53. Yes, it does. I have already stated that I know of one case only. 54. Yes. 55. Yes. Question 51 [oral evidence] .—mean that persons, who but for the drug would not be disposed to crime, are encouraged by its use to commit crime. The majority of habitual criminals are consumers of the drug. Both the drug and the association with ganja smokers incite to crime. I refer to petty offences and not to homicide or murder in this answer. Offences requiring well-laid plans are not incited by the drug, though it may be taken as a preparation for carrying them out. In such cases ganja is in fact taken to give courage. Bhang is not so used in this province. I committed the man who killed his child. The trying court held that he was demented by repeatedly incurring severe caste penalties, and acquitted him. The latter cause may have accelerated the derangement which was being caused by the ganja. The derangement did not amount to insanity until the caste troubles were superadded. He was not actually mad, or I should not have committed him. I did form an opinion from the wife's evidence as to the man's mental condition before his caste troubles came upon him. This is the only case about which I can give particulars. I was Magistrate for about 7 years. I went into camp in Chhindwara district for one month in each of the 3 years. I was Extra Assistant Commissioner there. I was less than 2 years Tahsildar, and 5 years Extra Assistant Commissioner. In Chanda I did not go into camp. I was 15 months at Damtari. I was also Deputy Inspector of Schools for over a year in Raipur. The rest of my service was ministerial. I resigned. the Government service in 1887, and have been Honorary Magistrate ever since. Question 55.[oral evidence]—Complete stupefaction can be produced by the drug. I cannot give a case in which stupefaction was caused by pure ganja. - Evidence of ADHAR SINGH GOUR, Kshattri, Barrister-at-law, Hoshangabad.
43. Yes; ordinarily so; but if they are roused to anger or if they entertain a lasting grudge, their partial want of control over themselves when under the influence of the drug makes them worse enemies than ordinary people. Ganja I believe exerts a direct influence in spoiling a man's temper. 51. Not that I know of. The indulgence in these drugs makes a man eccentric and quick-tem-pered and unreliable in his engagements; more-over, the bad opinion that people entertain of such persons stands in the way of their getting work. Gradually necessity compels them to be dishonest. But where the question of bread does not compli-cate matters, the ganja smoker has as good a chance of being honest as any other man. The ganja smoker, however, is as a rule a short-tempered man and is apt to be violent on provocation that would not rouse an ordinary man to acts of violence, “ As short-tempered as a ganja smoker ” is a proverb in Bengal. From my experience of ganja smokers I am of opinion that they are prone to acts of violence; that the poorer portion of them are apt to become dishonest on account of their lazy and thriftless habits and the difficulty they find in obtaining employment. But the habit per se, I do not think, is productive of offences against property. 52. Excessive use only intensifies the above effects. 53. Yes ; I have known more than one case of homicide that had its origin in this habit. I quote one out of several that come to my mind now. It occurred more than 20 years ago. There was a celebrated shrine of Kali on the left bank of the Bhagirathi in my native district. The place was at some distance from the neighbouring village, and the shrine was surrounded on all sides by a number of ancient banyan trees which added to the weird appearance of the blood-stained shrine. There was a Kapalik who usually officiated at the sacrifice of scores of goats that used to be brought there on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as promised offerings for cures from fever and other diseases. A sanyasi of the Shakt persuasion came and settled there with two Bhairabis and soon secured a wide-spread reputation for sanctity and influence with the goddess, to which his stalwart frame and bushy hair and beard and red eyes and taciturn manners contributed not a little. He used to honour the neighbouring gentry with occasional visits extending over days and weeks at a time, during which occasions high honours Were paid to him and the supply of ganja was unlimited. He was a man of some education, and quoted verses from the Gita during his lucid intervals. One day he took umbrage at some supposed act of neglect of the Kapalik, and in the evening went to the temple “ to see the goddess” after his usual smoke. He found the Kapalik prostrating before the goddess and the blood-stained “ khanda” with which he was killing the goats lay temptingly standing against the wall. In an instant the sanyasi snatched it from its place and cut the Kapalik into two at a single blow. With the assistance of the Bhairabis he removed the body and threw it into the river below. But the matter got wind and a neighbouring Deputy Magistrate came to enquire into the case ; the women gave out the story, and the sanyasi seeing further attempt at concealment to he useless, made a full confession and was duly hanged. 54. Professional lathials (clubmen) I have seen to smoke ganja before going out for a fight, and I have heard that dacoits often do so before proceeding to their work of spoliation. It is not difficult to see that a man bent on a crime, but still deterrent by the fear of punishment and the opinion of his fellows, would drown the deterrent motives by having recourse to a smoke that would make him forget everything save the strongest present motive. 55. As far as I know, criminals mix dhatura or other drugs with ganja or bhang for the purpose of stupefying their victims. I have seen more than one case of complete stupefaction brought on a novice by an overdose of ganja or bhang. Question 53.[oral evidence]—There can be no doubt the Sanyasi was a ganja smoker who used to consume the drug to excess, but I cannot say from my personal knowledge that he had been indulging on that day, although I am morally certain he must have been. I have no recollection of a crime committed by a ganja smoker in which the perpetrator was unaware of what he bad done. It appears to me that the ganja smoker acts on impulse and is deficient in self-control. - Evidence of MR. TARA DASS BANERJI, President, District Council, Raipur.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. I do not know. There is no connection, so far as I know, or have been informed. 53 and 54, No. 55. Yes, by admixture with dhatura—both ganja and bhang. No complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture with dhatura. - Evidence of BABU KALIDAS CHOWDHRY, Brahmin, Pleader, Hoshangabad.
43. Moderate consumers are generally inoffensive to their neighbours, as far as ganja is concerned. 51. The large proportion of moderate smokers of ganja are not generally bad characters, and moderate smoking of ganja has no connection with crime. 52. Large proportion of excessive smokers are bad characters, such as habitual thieves, prosti-tutes, companions of prostitutes and habitual de-bauchees, generally indulge in excessive use of this drug. The only connection it has to crime is to satisfy the cravings of this vice. 53. See case cited in Questions Nos. 45 and 46. Excessive indulgence does make a man of irritable temper and for slight provocation cause the person to commit atrocities. 54. Yes. 55. I don’t know of any such cases. I do not think complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug w ithout admixture. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB RANGRAO HARRY KHISTY, Pleader, Bhandara.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Almost all bad characters are addicted to the use of some one of these drugs. 52. Chevers says:—It is a matter of popular notoriety, both in Bengal and the North-Western Provinces, that persons intoxicated with ganja are liable to commit acts of homicidal violence. In cases of "running amok," the criminals are known to have taken hemp with the object of nerving themselves for the deed. 53. One witness says these drugs are inoffensive in this respect. 54. Vide No. 52 .55. Majum, which contains dhatura, is said to have been used for criminal purposes. - Evidence of Mr. J. A. MAUGHAN, Manager, Central Provinces Collieries, Umaria, Jubbulpore District.
43. Yes. 54. I don't think so, 55. Yes, the admixture of dhatura or arsenic will bring complete stupefaction as well as a strong dose of bhang to non-habitual drinkers, - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KUSTOORCHAND DAGA, Bania, Banker, Kamptee, Nagpur District.
43. They are not offensive. 51. No. 52. Yes. 53. Yes. I have seen a case in which it has led a consumer to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes. 55. Yes ; in some cases. Yes; in both instances. - Evidence of LALA NANDKESHORE, * Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and Member, District Council, Saugor.
43. The moderate consumers of ganja are ab solutely inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Moderate indulgence in ganja is not more general among the criminal classes than any other, At least half the honest labouring classes of this district are addicted to the moderate smoking of ganja. 52. There is no connection between excessive indulgence in ganja and addiction to crime. 53. I never heard of excessive indulgence in ganja developing a homicidal tendency. 54. I never heard of criminals fortifying them selves with ganja or bhang before commencing a premeditated crime. 55. I never beard of criminals using ganja to stupefy their victims before robbing them. - Evidence* of GIRDHARI LAL, Oswal Bania, Merchant and Banker, Seoni-Chapara.
43. The moderate ganja smokers give no trouble to their neighbours. It is only occasional exces -sive smokers, and persons unaccustomed to ganja, who make themselves offensive under its influence. 51. The habitual moderate consumption of ganja does not operate in any degree to develop or encourage a disposition to crime. The mass of the labouring classes in this district are moderate and habitual ganja smokers, and the effect on men is the very reverse; it enables and disposes them to work hard, and that is what they smoke ganja for. Of course, habitual criminals, like others, indulge in ganja, but their criminal habits are not due to ganja. 52. Excessive indulgence in ganja would disqualify the habitual criminal just as it does any one else. Excessive indulgence in ganja has no connection with crime. 53. I never heard of any man killing people under influence of homicidal frenzy, the result of ganja. The murders in these parts are on account of women or for gain, and I have heard of murders under influence of alcohol, but not from effects of ganja. Our ganja smokers are not particularly addicted to violent crime; on the contrary, the patient industry of the Gond is proverbial. I have heard of bhang being used to incite to crime, and of bhang drinkers breaking out in homicidal frenzy, but there is no bhang drinking to speak of in this district. 54. I have never heard of persons smoking ganja to fortify their courage before commencing a premeditated crime. Ganja would incapacitate the would-be criminal, who is not an habitual. Criminals, like other people, smoke ganja, if from custom they feel the need of it. 55. It is a practice of criminals to induce intended victims to join in a smoke. They pretend the pipe is of tobacco only, but it contains ganja. The effect of even one whiff of ganja upon a person unaccustomed to it, is to cause instant stupefaction, when he can be robbed with impunity. Dhatura seed is mixed with the drug to disable the victim more completely, and prevent his recovering for two or three days. Even, without dhatura, a person misled into inhaling ganja would remain insensible for a whole day. - Evidence* of ONKAR DAS, Agarwalla Bania, Mahajan, Seoni-Chapara.
43. The moderate consumers of ganja are abso lutely inoffensive to their neighbours. It is the unaccustomed occasional smokers, and the sedentary classes who cannot stand ganja, who make themselves offensive and troublesome to others. 51. It is the case that budmashes and habitual criminals do smoke ganja to give them increased courage and indurance for commission of crime, and escape afterwards. They smoke ganja for the same reasons in fact that the hard working labourers do—to enable them to bear fatigue and exposure in their calling. The moderate smoking of ganja has no tendency to increase crime. 52. Excessive indulgence in ganja would induce a craving, which might tempt a man to steal to gain the means to satisfy his craving. Excessive indulgence in ganja does dispose to violence. Only lately my brother's son-in-law under the influence of ganja nearly killed his wife. Gorilal Mull Giladchi is a man of violent temper while under the influence of ganja. Phulsa Aodhia of Bhawanganj became violent from effects of excessive ganja, till he went quite mad and died. For the last two years a man has been wandering about who is violent at times and often quite off his head from the effects of excessive ganja; he has become quite "pagal" now. The Government should take charge of him to prevent his doing violence to others. Another man, a bania rom Chauras in this district, is also beginning to be violent and to run at people—the effects of excessive indulgence in ganja. I have heard of four or five persons dying mad from the effects of excessive indulgence in ganja, e.g., Ahmad Khan, my own eldest brother, some twenty years ago; Sher Mahomed of Seoni, about ten years ago, of a respectable Malguzar's family. I cannot recall others. 54. Only habitual ganja smokers could smoke ganja to fortify them before commencing crime; it would disable men not accustomed to smoke ganja. Vide answer to Question 51. 55. I have not heard of criminals administering ganja designedly to their victims to stupefy them. If a person unaccustomed to smoke ganja were induced to take even one good whiff his head would swim, and he would immediately become insensible. The effect would pass off in about an hour. - Evidence* of HUSEN KHAN,† Pathan, Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara
43. Not only the moderate consumers, but the habitual excessive consumers of ganja and bhang, are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Among bad characters, 40 to 50 per cent might be taken as habitual moderate consumers, and as the moderate use of ganja and bhang has the power to concentrate the thought, according to our own mood ; and the explanation given in Answer No. 41, will tend to prove the connection between crime and the moderate use of ganja and bhang. 52. The excessive use of ganja destroys all activity, and the consumers have no opportunity to do anything, good or bad. 53. No, the excessive use of ganja and bhang incapacitates the consumers, and does not cause homicidal frenzy. 54. Bhang and ganja will seldom be used by criminals as a means to fortify their courage. 55. There are certain classes of criminals who induce their victims to smoke ganja in order to rob them. If the victim is a non-consumer, the effect of an ordinary ganja chillum will completely stupefy him, and he will be at the mercy of his oppressor, but if the victim is a moderate or excessive consumer of ganja, then 2 1/2 seeds of dhatura mixed in the chillum toil completely stupefy him. Bhang is not generally resorted to for this purpose, neither it stupefies completely without admixture of dhatura seeds. Please see Answer No. 39, regarding the effects of bhang. - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.
43. Yes. 51. (a) No. (b) None. 52. Unless dhatura is mixed with the drug, don't think it would act as an incentive to crime. 53. Only as above. No. 54. I am not aware of such use. 55. (a)Not to my knowledge. (b) No. - Evidence of BIJRAJ, Marwari, Wholesale ganja vendor, Kamptee, Nagpur District.
The connection of hemp drugs with crime has never been brought to my notice, though up to 1889 I had had charge of six or seven districts and served in others. Since then I have had opportunities of travelling over all districts of the presidency. I have also been Salt Commissioner in Orissa (Bengal). - Evidence of THE HONOURABLE MR. C. S. CROLE, Member, Board of Revenue
43. Inoffensive. 51. No. Moderate use has no connection with crimes. 53. No. 54. Not as far as can be ascertainable. 55. No cases have occurred here. It is said that complete stupefaction can be thus induced without admixture. - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.
51. It appears from enquiry that only a very small proportion of bad characters are habitual or moderate consumers of drugs. The persons who generally resort to the use of ganja and bhang are either mendicants or fakirs, who have no family cares and have an apathy for work. The moderate use of the drugs has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. The use of the drugs has not in this district acted as a stimulant to commit crime. 52. There is no record in this district of crimes being connected with the excessive use of any of these drugs. 53. It does not incite to crime of any kind. It appears that the use of the drugs, far from accentuating a tendency to commit crimes, retards it to a great extent, and the consumers become humble and timid. No instance is known in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. This question must be answered only in the negative. The general impression is that such drugs have the opposite effect. 55. Criminals do sometimes induce their victims to partake of these drugs without letting them know what they are in order to deprive them of their property ; but such cases must be very rare. The extent of stupefaction depends upon the quantity of drugs administered, the nature of the mixture, if any, and upon the constitution of the consumers. It appears that complete stupefaction can be produced without admixture, if the quantity administered is large. - Evidence of MR. W. J. H. LE FANU, Collector and District Magistrate of North Arcot.
43. Yes. 51. No. There is very little connection, so far as at present can be ascertained, between crime and the use of these drugs. 54. No, not as far as known. 55. No. - Evidence of MR. C. B. MACLEANE, Collector of Nellore.
43. I think so, quite. So do all the Tahsildars, except one, a Brahmin. 51. I believe that the drug is constantly consumed by criminals in order to deaden their feelings and excite them, but whether use for such purposes would be moderate or excessive, I cannot say. Probably not immoderately, for that would cause drowsiness and laziness. 53. I believe not. All my Tahsildars say that it does not have this effect. 55. Yes; constantly when they want to rob their victims completely and effectually, but without personal injury to them. In these days thuggee is non-existent, but the thugs dealt largely in these drugs; and lesser criminals often find them very useful. I am told that complete stupefaction is only attained by admixture. - Evidence of MR. R. SEWELL, Collector of Bellary
43. Perfectly so. 51. I have not, in twenty-four years' magisterial experience, met with any crime directly attributable to the use of ganja. The bairagi piligrims, who mostly use it in Tanjore, are generally harmless. 52. vide 51. 53 to 55. 1 have met with no instances. - Eviclence of MR. H. M. WINTERBOTHAM, Collector of Tanjore.
43. Perfectly so. 51. I have hitherto been under the impression that there was a very strong connection. I cannot remember details, but, according to my experience, it has been a common thing for Subordinate Magistrates and Police Inspectors in talking of important crimes recently committed in their charges to explain crimes of peculiar violence or atrocity by the remark that the offender was a notorious consumer of ganja or bhang. On instituting the special enquiries, the result of which I now report, experienced officers in several instances made assertions that such offences often resulted from the use of the drug, but to my surprise on being questioned they were not able to quote a single case which had come to their personal knowledge in which such had been the case. I then called on all Magistrates in this district, 28 in number, to report whether they could remember any cases which they had dealt with in which the use of these articles was in any way concerned. Two quoted one case each in which an offender was found insane, and the insanity was supposed to he due to the excessive use of ganja (which, of course, was mere surmise), but not a single case in which the hemp plant was, directly or indirectly connected with crime could be remembered by any of them. I asked for similar information from some of the most experienced Police Inspectors with exactly the same result in the end, though amongst them I found a considerable tendency to throw blame on ganja at first until closely questioned—a not surprising thing considering that the criminal classes are very frequently habitual consumers in the same way as they are habitual partakers of all other kinds of dissipation. Considering that the practice is reprehended by every one of them, this result if very remarkable. I have been Sessions Judge of the Vizagapatam Hill Tracts, an area of about 12,600 square miles, with a population of 859,781, mostly members of genuine hill races, for the last 4 1/2 years. During this period I have tried 24 cases of murder, 48 cases of culpable homicide, and 18 other cases of violence. In about 50 per cent. of these cases drink was the origin of the offence. In not a single one was there the smallest suggestion that ganja or bhang had anything to do with it. I have examined all the prisoners in the district jail, 176 in number, of whom 17 acknowledge that they are consumers, and have read the judgments in the cases against them, and looked into the previous careers of the old offenders. There is not the faintest reason for supposing that a single one of them has been brought into trouble by the hemp plant. I have had details of the prisoners in the Parvatipur Hill Jail prepared, and have looked into their history also. The judgments were not forthcoming in my office in a few cases, and I did not think it necessary to call for copies, as the decisions in all the remainder confirmed the result I had obtained in the district jail. I have done my utmost to find a single case in which ganja or bhang has contributed to the commission of an offence, and, in spite of the size of this district and its population of 2,802,292 persons, have utterly failed, and no one is more astonished at this result than myself. One thing surprises me still more, and that is the rash way in which men to whom the Commission's questions have been sent have replied verbally on this point. The fact of the matter is that the use of ganja is regarded as disreputable and disgraceful here, and not generally practised openly by the respectable classes. Consumers in good position are therefore almost unknown. Its consumption undoubtedly is a form of dissipation, and the criminal classes are far more prone to indulge in all kinds of dissipation than others. Hence the idea that the use of ganja tends to crime, whereas the truth is that crime tends to lead men to resort to ganja. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs, but only because they have not the same reasons for restraint as respectable persons, and are generally more reckless and regardless of evil consequences. 52. So far as I can ascertain, the above remark applies with equal force to excessive consumers, subject to the qualification that excessive use tends to diminish general energy, and that the large class of religious mendicants, who are perfectly harmless, fall under the designation of excessive rather then moderate consumers. 53. No. As used in this part of India, it most certainly does not incite to unpremeditated crime. I not only do not know of a case of its causing temporary homicidal frenzy, but am unable to hear of any from my subordinate magistracy. 54. No. 55. There is an impression amongst experienced officers that these drugs are used to stupefy victims, but I can hear of no case. I am under the impression that the idea has arisen from information of a vague description given by prisoners themselves. I am unable to express an opinion as to whether the use of hemp products can produce complete stupefaction. - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.
43. Yes. 51. No ; on the contrary, bad characters seldom indulge in the drug at all ; its effect is principally sedative, and induces indolence . rather than active crime. 52. The excessive use does not induce crime, except when it ends in insanity. 53. No cases are known. 54. No. 55. Yes. Ganja in sufficient quantity, mixed with sugar and milk, is said to produce complete stupefaction. - Evidence of MR. J. THOMSON, Collector of Chingleput.
43. Yes. 51. This question is answered in the negative. There is a consensus of opinion that only in exceptional cases do bad characters take to the use, moderate or excessive, of hemp drugs. This shews that the use of the drug has no direct connection with crime. Ganja, like alcochol, while producing intoxication, induces in the earlier stages elation of spirits, which leads to brawling and petty assaults ; but when taken in small quantities, it is stated, acts as a useful stimulant, both mental and bodily. 52. This question is partly answered by reply to question No. 51. Excessive use of hemp drugs leads to extreme depression of mental and bodily powers. Consumers of ganja have no tendency to any particular form of crime, except perhaps offences against decency ; but since its excessive use impairs the power of those who consume it of distinguishing right from wrong, it leads to the commission of crime. 53. This question is answered in the negative by the officers consulted, except the District Superintendent of Police and the Joint Magistrate, who state that excessive indulgence in any of these drugs may cause temporary homicidal frenzy. Mr. Lowe, 1st Class Inspector of Police, Tirupatur Taluk, gives three instances of murder which he attributes to this cause. I have no experience on the point. I have heard, of course, of cases where persons under the influence of the drug have committed offences, but it has seemed to me that the offence was not the effect of this drug, but rather that this drug was used to give courage to commit the offence. 54. This is answered in the negative by the officers consulted, who state that criminals avoid ganja in order that it might not subject them to giddiness, and render them unfit for their contemplated designs. It is generally said that criminals, in order that they may be complete masters over their victims, administer preparations of hemp drugs to them, but instances exemplary of this assertion have not come to notice in this district. Complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs, but to render it more certain and effective, the head-quarters Deputy Collector reports that admixture of sugar is necessary. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem.
43. They are quiet. 51. No ; the consumption of this drug has no proved connection with crime. 53. Not in this district. 54. Not in this district. 55. No. - Evidence of MR. G. S. FORBES, Collector of Tinnevelly.
43. They are so. Even if intoxicated, they go to sleep, and do not become quarrelsome. 51. No; none that I could trace. 53. No; not that I could hear of. 54 and 55. No information available. - Evidence of MR. C. H. MOUNSEY, Acting Collector of Cuddapah
51. No; the moderate use of hemp drugs has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. The excessive use of the drugs merely stupefies the man and renders him incapable of any premeditated and sustained action, and does not necessarily incite him to criminal acts. 53. No; I do not know of any case in which the excessive indulgence in the drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. No - Evidence of MR. C. M. MULLALY, Acting District Magistrate, Kurnool.
43. Yes. 51. No. None. 52. The only instance that has come within my knowledge personally in sixteen years is the one I have quoted against question No. 45. 53. Yes; occasionally. Yes; vide above. 54. Not to my knowledge. 55. Yes; occasionally. The secret police reports furnish occasional instances - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.
43. Yes. 51. Yes. Most of our bad characters are not habitual consumers. So far as I can ascertain, there is no traceable connection between the use of ganja and crime here. The General Deputy Collector remarks that poor consumers may commit theft to provide themselves with means to procure the drugs they require. 53. Not so far as I am aware. I know of no case here. 54. No. 55. A case is reported to have occured at Tuva-rankurichi in Marungapuri zamindari, Kulitalai taluk. A man used to visit the bandy stand, throw ganja into the pots in which rice was cooking, and afterwards rob the bandy men. Complete stupefaction can be produced. The dhatura is generally preferred to ganja by criminals for stupefying victims. - Evidence of MR. L. C. MILLER, Acting Collector of Trichinopoly.
43. Inoffensive. 51. (a) No. (b) Perhaps large proportion of gamblers may be consumers. 53. May ; it is not unlikely that the indulgence may occasionally induce violent and other crime. An instance is quoted locally wherein a person who indulged in the drug beat a person, resulting in death, on slight provocation. 54. The general opinion is in the negative. 55. (a) Yes. (b) Yes, for a time. - Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. I do not consider there are sufficient grounds for saying that there is any connection in this district of the moderate use of the drug with crime either particular or general. Excess in any intoxicant is likely to lead to crime. 53. No such case has come under my experience. 54. I do not know. - Evidence of MR. C. J. WEIR,* Acting Collector, District Magistrate, and Agent to Govr., Ganjam
43. Moderate consumers are quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 53, 54. and 55. As to whether excessive use of ganja necessarily prompts men to violent crime opinions differ widely. While it is maintained by one side that violent crimes have been traced to excessive indulgence in hemp preparations, the other contends that even a moderate use of the drug produces a sense of lassitude and laziness, which is evidently not a predisposition to acts of violence. Chevers remarks that it is a matter of popular notoriety, both in Bengal and the NorthWestern Provinces, that persons intoxicated with ganja are liable to commit acts of homicidal violence. In some cases of homicide, committed or alleged to have been committed, while under the influence of cannabis, one person only has been attacked. Usually, however, the victims are numerous, the ease assuming the form known as "running amok." Commonly when acts of homicidal violence are committed while under the influence of an intoxicant, some motive is traceable for the crime. It may be a motive which existed previous to the intoxication or one which comes into existence subsequent to the commencement of the intoxication. In the former case, it may be supposed that the intoxicant is taken by the criminal with the object of nerving himself for the deed. The criminal statistics show, however, that the amount of crime, violent or otherwise, which can be traced to the use of hemp is exceedingly small, It is probable that any latent propensity to crime may be developed by the habitual consumption of the narcotic; but it is exceedingly unlikely that a continued habit of the use of the drug will create a propensity to crime in men who are constitu -tionally averse to acts of violence. If standard historical works are to be believed, a drink of bhang makes the native soldier reckless of life. In the account of the defence of Arcot, for instance, the most formidable attack which was repulsed was made during the Moharram, at a time when the Nawab's soldiers were primed with bhang. - Evidence of MR. H. CAMPBELL, Acting Sub-Collector, Guntoor.
43. Perfectly. 51 and 52. No. No traceable connection exists. 53. No, on the other hand its effect seems generally in the ease of the moderate consumers of these parts to produce indolence rather than excitement. 54. Not as far as can be ascertained. 55. No cases have occurred here. Yes; it is said so. - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No ; there is no connection between crime and the use of these drugs. 53 to 55. No cases known here. - Evidence of Mr. H. F. W. GILLMAN, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Nilgiris.
43. Yes; as a rule. 51 and 52. Can't say. 53. I think the excessive use of the drug leads to unpremeditated crime. A pensioned sepoy of Kurnool, who was an excessive habitual smoker, when under the influence of the drug, murdered his daughter-in-law, her brother, and sister, and I have heard of other eases just as one hears of such being the effect of excessive indulgence in alcohol. - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.
Question 51.[oral evidence]—I do not think the drugs have anything whatever to do with crime. As Police Officer and Magistrate, I have never had any reason to connect the two. Alcohol on the other hand is provocative of crime, particularly in the toddy season when fights and petty violence are common - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR R. DHARMARAO, Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Northern Division.
43. Inoffensive apart from their disagreeable smell. 51. The consumption does not seem to be specially connected with the criminal classes. 53. No. - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division.
43. Yes. 51. No. None. 52. None. 53. No. No. 54. I do not think so. 55. No ; I think not. - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District
43. Yes; inoffensive. 51. Not here. 52. Not here. 53. There was a dalayet in the Head Assistant Collector's office, Anantapur. He was, before he became a dalayet, a sepoy, but retired from the military profession. He was indulging in it. He appeared to be very quiet; but all of a sudden he killed one Dadagadu with his stick, who was pass -ing along the road in Anantapur town. 54. No. 55. Not to my knowledge. - Evidence of D. JAGANNADHARAO PANTALU, Brahmin,Deputy Collector, Anantapur
43. Yes, they are inoffensive. 51. Any large proportion of bad characters are not habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. Those who drink liquor and maddat are bad characters. The moderate use of these drugs has no connection whatever with crime in general or of any special character. 52. The excessive use of these drugs also has no connection whatever with crime of general or special character. The excessive consumers are not bad characters. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does never incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. None of the persons whom I have consulted know any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. It is said that drugs are never used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. It is said that criminals never, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake any of these drugs and so stupefy themselves. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by this drug without admixture. - Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PAN TULU GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.
43. Most certainly; they are very timid people (vide my reply to question 36). 51. Ganja has nothing to do with crime. A ganja-man is a timid fellow. 53 to 55. No.
- Evidence of M. R. R. DEWAN BAHADUR S. VENKATA RAMADAS NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Godavari.
43. Yes. 51. No. 52.No. 5.3.No. 54.Yes ; ganja is mixed in cakes and other eatables, by eating which the victims become completely stupefied, when the criminals seize the opportunity to supply themselves. Complete stupefaction is induced by ganja without admixture. - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.
43. Yes. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are not habitual moderate consumers of these drugs. Some of the bad characters who are habitual moderate consumers are by want occasionally driven to commit thefts of petty articles within their reach in order to gratify their desire. This seems to be the only way in which the habitual and moderate use has any connection with crime of the said character. 52. With regard to the excessive use of any of these drugs it may be said that excessive use blunts the sense of honour or fear of society, and renders man physically less useful for any steady hard work. They are inclined to be idle and generally take to gambling. These people are, however, to be found in large towns and cusbas, where they go on pilfering, as opportunities occur, on a much larger scale than the habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs ; but they seldom resort to grave crimes. 53. No. 54. No ; I have neither known nor heard of such instances. 55. No ; complete stupefaction can, as a rule, be induced by this drug without any admixture. - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.
43. Yes. 51. I do not know. I am not aware of any connection between it and crime of any special character. 53. I do not know. 54. No. It is said that men using the drugs get timid rather than bold. 55. I do not know. - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty.
51. A large proportion of bad characters are not habitual moderate consumers of these drugs. The moderate use of these drugs has not been known to have any connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. The excessive use of any of these drugs tends to render the consumer dull and stupid and incapable of bringing his mind to bear upon the subject of committing any crime. 53. No ; no case is known to have occurred in which the excessive indulgence in any of these ugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No such instance has come to light ; but it is quite possible that criminals may use the drugs just before they set out on an errand of violence or crime in order to fortify themselves in the performance of their dastardly deed. 55. No instances have come to notice. None of these drugs can by itself cause complete stupefac-tion ; but if they are mixed with dhatura, it is said that complete stupefaction will ensue after the same has been partaken. - Evidence of MR. J. H. GWYNNE , Deputy Collector, Wynaad, Malabar District.
43. Yes. 51. No. 52. Excessive consumers are generally bad characters. 53. The effect of excessive use is to make the person timid, and hence the excessive indulgence in it does not incite to unpremeditated crime or violence. 54. No. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug without admixture. - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam.
43. Moderate consumers are certainly inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Most of the bad characters are habitual consumers of either ganja or of liquor. It has no connection with crime. 53. Excessive indulgence will render the consumer unfit for any active work, either good or bad, just like an inveterate drunkard. 55. They do in rare cases. Complete stupefaction cannot, however, be effected by the use of this drug alone without the admixture of certain other ingredients, such as opium and the seed of "Ummetha" (dhatura fastriosa). - Evidence of TADEPALLI SIVARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector, Chatrapur.
43. They are inoffensive. 51. Moderate use of the drug does not lead to commission of criminal offences. 52. Excessive use may lead to criminal acts being perpetrated. 53. There is no such report that I know of. 55.Thieves have been reported to use this drug. Dhatura and other intoxicants are mixed with this for stupefying victims of their criminal acts - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelly
43. They are positively offensive. 51. Bad characters generally use this in large quantities. It has no connection with crimes. It is an auxiliary to gamblers, such as cock-fighters, etc. 53. The excessive use of this drug does not incite unpremeditated crimes. It produces timidity and not excitement. I am not aware of any ease of any homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. No. - Evidence of C. VENKATA CHALAM, Tahsildar, Guntur.
43. They are inoffensive. 51, 52, 53 and 54. Toddy and arrack are used by criminals to fortify them in the commission of grave offences ; but this hemp drug is never connected with crime in this way. 55. As above. - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.
43. Quiet so. 51. I don't know if many bad characters are habitual consumers; but I do know that ganja consumption does not make a man a bad character. 54. The drug will muddle the senses and stupefy. It will render the man unfit for much violent exercise. 55. Yes - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.
43. Yes. 51. No. No connection whatever. 53. Yes, if sufficient nourishment is not taken. No. 54. No, Men using these drugs become timid rather than get bold. 55. No. - Evidence of S. VASUDEVA. RAO, Tahsildar, Tadpatri
43. Yes. 51. No. It has no connection whatever with crime like alcohol. 53. No. 54. No. 55. No. No. - Evidence of T. KODANDARAM NAIDU, Tahsildar, Hospett.
43. Not always ; sometimes they are inoffensive. 51. They do not allow their thoughts, under the influence of ganja, to run towards the commission of offences. Criminality cannot be attributed to ganja smokers or drinkers. They would rather beg than steal. 53. It would rather create a suicidal tendency in the man. Excessive indulgence generally produces madness. They generally like solitude to society and disregard their food, dress, etc. I do not know any case in which it had produced homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. Yes; complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture. - Evidence of M. BIMACHARI, Tahsildar, Rayadrug
43. The moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours, and cause no disturbance of any kind to them. 51. In this part of the country, as a rule, the habitual consumers do not come within the category of bad characters. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime. I know a case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. A certain man of goldsmith's caste, who indulged himself excessively in drinking bhang, squeezed the neck of his own son, about two or three years old, and murdered him, saying that the deity whom he worships directed him to sacrifice his own son. He was not at all sorry for the loss of his beloved child as long as he was under its effects ; but subsequent to the removal of its effects, he was very penitent, and begged that he should be hanged. 54. The criminals do not use these drugs to fortify themselves to commit premeditated crimes as far as my knowledge goes. 55. The criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims (generally children and females) to partake of these drugs and stupefy them. The use of bhang or majun, which are palatable, produces complete stupefaction for a short time. While the victims are in that state the criminals remove the jewels, etc., from their persons, and walk away quietly. Sometimes the young women are seduced by their paramours to leave their parents and husbands' houses, and follow them. - Evidence of MUNSHI S. MOHAMED UNWUR SAHIB, Tahsildar, Suthanapully Taluk, Kistna District.
43. Yes; inoffensive. 51. Not so far as known. The consumers of this drug delight in ideal pleasures and are not known to be freely connected themselves with crime. 53. Not known to incite to unpremeditated crime. 54. Not used for such purposes so far as known. 55. Yes. Instances of this kind are known to have occurred, though rarely. Complete stupefaction is possible when administered in immoderate quantities to people not up to the habit - Evidence of M. SAMBA SIVA RAU NAIDU, Tahsildar, Bellary.
43. Yes. 51. Yes. Ganja smokers are gamblers and thieves. 52. The excessive use of ganja or bhang makes a man loose in morals. 53. Yes. Excessive use incites to unpremeditated crime. I know of no case of temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes. 55. Yes. Dhatura seeds are mixed with ganja leaf. - Evidence of ADAKI JAGANNADHA RAO, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Hindupur, Anantapur District.
43. Inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. It does. I have heard of a case that a Muhammadan peon, owing to excessive use of ganja, had become so intoxicated that he beat an old man, who happened to pass before him, to death. The latter appeared to the Muhammadan as a pig in his intoxicating mood, and he, according to the principles of his religion, smashed the head of the old man with a stick. - Evidence of G. JAGANNAYAKULU, Acting Tahsildar, Gooty.
43. Quite inoffensive. 51 to 53. No. People, by the use of these drugs, become more and more timid and will be quite unfit for any violence. - Evidence of K. RAMA KRISTNA BRAMHAM, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Kudlighi, Bellary District
43. They are inoffensive generally. 51 and 52. I don't think these stupefied men commit any violent crime as far as Southern India is concerned. 53. A police constable, a Mahratta in the g Kollegal taluk, Coimbatore district, was transferredbto Martally or Nadukaval, a very unhealthy station on the borders of that jungle taluk, Having little or nothing to do there, the constable took to smoking or eating bhang to an immoderate extent ; the result was that in a short time he became a very violent insane, tried to break the iron bars of the sub-jail in which he was kept for safe keeping, became very abusive, and several times attemped to dash his brains by striking against the walls. When he was sent to Coimbatore Hospital, he became cured of it. I now hear that he now leads a quiet life as a cultivator as he was dismissed from the service when insane, 54. I don't think. 55. I don't think complete stupefaction can be induced without the admixture of dhatura. I don't think criminals stupefy their victims and steal their things as they do in Northern India. As caste is rigidly observed in Southern India, criminals have no opportunites of inducing caste travellers to partake of their sweetmeats and stupefy themselves. Question 53.[oral evidence]—The constable referred to used to take the drug in small quantities, and when he went to this unhealthy place, he took the drug to excess. I was there as Tahsildar, so I know the case. The man did not drink. I saw him in his violent state. He was sent to Coimbatore Hospital and cured in a few months. I knew this man only as a policeman ; he was my orderly several times. His two brothers were my peons ; and he used to come to see them. No inquiry was made as to the cause of his insanity. He was merely sent to hospital, not the asylum. He was dismissed from the police owing to his insanity. I never saw his father. One of the brothers was a very sensible man ; the other an ordinary peon. The dismissal was after the man was cured. I do not know the cause of dismissal definitely. - Evidence of M. SESHACHALA NAIDU, Baliya, Pensioned Tahsildar, Vellore.
43. Yes ; they are very quiet. 51. No ; it has no connection whatever with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 53 and 54. No. 55. Sometimes it is practised on persons who are not consumers of the drug. - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.
43. Yes. 51. No ; the consumers of these drugs are generally not up to committing crimes, as people under the influence of liquor are. 54. Can be answered in the negative. 55. No. - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, Coonoor.
43. I think they are inoffensive. 54. I do not think they are used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit crimes, etc. 55. I am of opinion that it is not used by the criminals to induce their victims to partake any of these drugs and so stupefy themselves. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive in this country. 51 and 52. I am not prepared to say that any proportion of bad characters are accustomed to this, or the use of the drug connected with any crime in general or in particular. 53. My experience does not permit me to answer this. 54. No ; I don't know if criminals use the drug to fortify themselves to commit offences. 55. I have known a few cases in which criminals have administered these drugs to their victims before crimes were committed. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by this drug without the admixture of dhatura. - Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam.
43. They are mostly inoffensive. They always lead the life of hermits. 51. No. This has no connection with crime of any character. By using this the man does not become a bad character tending to do any violent actions. 53. Excessive indulgence does not incite to unpremeditated violent crimes, as it would not keep a man in very active condition with bad temper. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit any act of violence or other crime. 55. Criminals induce their victims to take these drugs in view to stupefy them. If it is given to a person who is not accustomed to it, and if given in an excess quantity to one accustomed to it, it will cause stupefaction. Complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug alone without admixture. - Evidence of P. LAKSHMINARAYANA, Brahmin, Manager of Court of Wards' Estate, Nuzvid.
51. The lowest class of Muhammadans, among whom there are a good many bad characters, consume ganja and bhang prepared from it. Korchers or Yerikallas and Lambadies or Sugallies are said also to consume it largely. These tribes often commit crime. The use of the drug tends ordinarily to make the consumers lazy, supine, and averse to regular work, and in this way probably conduces to offences against property. On the other hand, as it appears to enervate and unman its partakers, such criminals would be the reverse of enterprising, daring and skilful. It is to be remarked, however, that the Lambadies, who use it regularly, are of superior physique and bolder than the ordinary population. An old and intelligent pensioned Police Inspector of great experience suggests that this is owing to the use of ganja being hereditary with them. This may be so, or it may be that they use it only moderately, and that the sottish creature who represents the ordinary recognised specimen of a bhang-eater is an immoderate consumer. I have been called on to make an early report, and I have not sufficient information to enable me to distinguish between moderate and immoderate use of the drug. 52. See 51, 53. The only instance I can recall of ganja exciting to crime is the following. On the 1st December 1890, at Anantapur, a peon of the Head Assistant Collector, named Shaik Hussain, a well-known bhang smoker, having been fined four annas for some breach of duty, got into a high state of irritation and went and smoked bhang in a mukkan in Anantapur, at noon. The bhang appears to have excited him to madness ; he ran by the Anantapur-Bellary road with a heavy stick in hand, struck with it a shepherd boy, who was grazing sheep just outside the town as he went on, then attacked an old man named Dadi Sahib of Narpala, village, who was going by the same road, struck and felled him with the stick, then beat out his brains and murdered him, and ran along the same road striking and threatening the persons whom he met. He was arrested by reserve constables, who were sent at once in search of him the same afternoon, at a distance of four miles from Anantapur. The murder was committed on the public road within two furlongs from the Collector's compound. The peon was tried for the murder of this old man, who was previously unknown to him, convicted and sentenced on 4th February 1891 by the Sessions Court to transportation for life, but subsequently the sentence was commuted to one of rigorous imprisonment for 10 years by the Government. The drug the peon was addicted to was ganja, and this was the only occasion on which he was known to have broken out into the fit of madness. The Sessions Court judgment is submitted herewith. 54. Lambadis are said to fortify themselves with ganja before committing dacoities. 55. I have never heard criminals inducing their victims to partake of hemp drugs to further their designs. The use of dhatura for this purpose is of course well known. I am not aware whether hemp drugs produce complete stupe fac-tion without admixture. - Evidence of COLONEL G. CHRYSTIE, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Vellore
51. Less than 10 per cent. of the bad characters in large towns are consumers of opium, and in the south of India away from towns it is not indulged in by them. I have not found that grave crimes hvae had any connection with the use of opium, but in regard to larcenies it may induce occasionally to their commission, as the confirmed opium eater or smoker will do anything to enable him to purchase his precious drug, just as the gambler or drunkard is so tempted. 52. In the only cases of excessive use of opium which have come under my notice, it has not been conducive to crime. The opium eaters have simply become sodden and emaciated, and so passed out of existence. 53. I have known of no cases in which these drugs have incited to unpremeditated crime, violence or otherwise, nor has any case of temporary homicidal frenzy come under my notice. 54. The drug is not used by criminals to fortify themselves for the committal of crime. For such fortifying they have recourse to spirits, such as toddy, arrack and the extract of the mohur flower. 55. No cases have come under my notice of criminals drugging their victims by opium in order to stupefy them and then rob; but cases of dhatura poisoning for such purposes have so come. I cannot answer as to complete stupefaction being induced solely by opium. - Evidence of MR. F. T. BAGSHAWE, Superintendent of Police, Trichinopoly.
51. Although I have had many years' experience and have seen ganja (Indian hemp) consumed in many forms, yet I am unable to answer all these questions to my mind satisfactorily, for Indian hemp does not affect all persons alike, and does not always produce the same effect. It all depends in what mood the consumer is in at the time he par-takes of the drug. It generally produces intoxication, and has a varied effect. One day the consumer may be happy and contented ; another day he may be in a boiling rage ; and the third day he may be heavy and sleepy, and suffer from mental weakness disqualifying him for any labour. The flowering tops of the ganja plant is usually smoked, but majum (a confection of ganja) and bhang (sabzi), preparations of the same, are taken in-wardly (into the stomach). No. The moderate use of hemp drugs has no connection with crime in general, or with crime of any special character. 52. Few bad characters are excessive consumers of these drugs. An excessive consumer is usually a wretched creature, who has been rendered unfit for any action requiring judgment, vigour, or manliness. 53. No. Certainly not crime without violence. Excessive indulgence, as I said before, usually subdues the action of the brain and reduces the subject to a state of disablement, till sometimes his prolonged and excessive indulgences soften his brain, when he either becomes an imbecile or hypochondriac, a monomaniac or a raving madman and commits crime with violence. Yes; I have known cases, and can give specific instances if required, but they are very few. 54. This is a difficult question to answer. Ganja never has the same effect as brandy and whiskey, and therefore it cannot be said that when a criminal is arrested under the influence of ganja or bhang immediately after he has committed an offence, that he took it to fortify himself to commit a premeditated crime. A criminal may go to a ganjakhana with the intention of smoking and fortifying himself to commit a premeditated act of violence. When he has taken a few whiffs, he becomes merry and contented, and forgets all about his intentions. Spirituous drinks are generally resorted to for crime with and without violence by criminals of all classes. 55. I know no instances of the kind. Both ganja and bhang in themselves will produce complete stupefaction if a sufficient quantity is consumed. No admixture is necessary. The insensibility will last for hours, the subject being quite unconscious to everything around him. The preparations of Indian hemp is largely used medicinally. The electuary commonly known as majum is prepared as a hulwa, and used to be sold in sweetmeat bazars and in the shops of native druggists and herbalists, but since the introduction of the Abkari Act, such preparations are vended in licensed places of busi-ness. This hulwa is administered to children suffering from diarrhœa, and is also given to them to procure sleep and to keep them quiet at night. Question 53[oral evidence].—I have three cases in my mind; they are instances of violent crime. One was a native officer in Bangalore about 1886. He shot his subadar-major at 8 P.M., locked himself up in his house all night, and next day at 2 P.m. shot his wife, opened the door, allowed his mother-inlaw and his children to escape, and then sat down in his chair and shot himself. It was a case of jealousy in respect to the officer shot. It was associated by me with ganja, because it was said that he was a ganja smoker. Clearly he had the motive before ; and I think this cannot be regarded as unpremeditated crime. It is the tendency where a man is a smoker to attribute such a case to the drug. On the contrary, I have known cases of men who have threatened murder or suicide, and then had a smoke and passed away from their anger altogether. In this particular case I cannot tell whether any evidence was produced of ganja having been used at the time. The second case was about 1883 or 1884. A barber in Madras City was twice married, and on the day he had to receive his second wife he cut the throat of the first wife and soon after cut his own throat. I enquired into the case. He was removed by me to hospital. He recovered. As soon as he was able to speak, he said he was under the influence of ganja, and could not tell what he was doing. He was tried at the High Court here. He was transported for life. He was a drinker. He preferred his first wife and hated the second. He had been married to the latter as a child, and then she had gone to Burma. He had to take her, though he had meanwhile married the wife I have called "the first wife." He murdered her and attempted his own life, because he loved her and hated the other. He may have done this from drink or from the smoking. His object was that they might both die and she might not (as he said to the Judge) be with " the second devil," but with the angels. Such murders occur apart from any intoxicant. I cannot say that I can make up my mind as to whether ganja had anything to do with this case or not. In a mantavam (canopy) in the city there lived some street waifs ("somberis"). One of them happened to be a ganja smoker. He took a big stone one night, and, knowing that a woman was sleeping at the other side of the parda, he dropped it on her head and killed her. Apparently recovering soon after from what was supposed to be ganja intoxication he cut his own throat. He was taken to hospital. When he recovered he said he had not the slightest recollection of having killed the woman, but bad attempted to make away with himself on being told what he had done when he recovered from the ganja. There was no motive w hatever. I do not profess to understand how this occurred. It seems to have been a pure case of mischief. He was a youngster, and the woman an old beggar woman. He was convicted and got (I think) two years for a rash act. He had thrown the stone over the parda, and it had killed the woman. It was about twenty pounds weight. He said he had had his usual whiff, and had no notion of throwing the stone. There was no passion. The people who were present gave information saying that the lad had thrown the stone in play at about 8 P.M. He ran off, and was found that night with his throat cut. I have cases that I could give you of even worse character in connection with alcohol. But I have confined myself to the cases I knew connected with hemp drugs. The above are the only three cases I know thus connected by report with these drugs. But, as I have already said, when it is known that a criminal is a ganja smoker, the tendency is at once to connect his crime with ganja without inquiring whether he had a whiff that day or not. The reason of this is partly because the drug is in disrepute, and this is due to the fact that it is cheap and used mainly by the poor. - Evidence of MR. S. D. SIMPSON, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Madras.
51. There is in this district a considerable proportion of bad characters who are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. But I believe the connection is accidental. It happens that this district is specially subject to the inroads of houseless nomads, such as Yanadis, Yerukalas, Lambadis, and Wodders. Owing to exposure in the malarious tracts they haunt, these are very liable to attacks of fever and rheumatism, and thus take to ganja smoking, which they believe to be prophylactic in such cases. Other criminals also are often ganja smokers; but I do not know of any instances of criminals who were habitual consumers of hemp drugs before taking to crime. In these cases it is generally a glorying in vice for its own sake that seems to induce the habit. It may, however, be possible that a wish to increase their powers of endurance is the object with them as well as with the nomads. I return to this subject in my reply to question 54. 52. Bhang is seldom used in this district. Those who do indulge in it are descendants of Rajputs, Bondelis, and other immigrants from the north. Majum, a confection, one of the ingredients of which is ganja leaves, is used as a soporific, mostly for children and invalids, and as an aphrodisiac. Its latter use and the habit of ganja smoking often end in excessive use. But this, so far as I know, does not produce any effect on habitual crime. 53. The excessive indulgence in majum and ganja smoking incite to unpremeditated crime, such as indecent assaults, homicide, and arson. I know of instances in which all these crimes have been attempted by persons suffering from the frenzy induced by excessive indulgence in ganja smoking and majum eating. 54. Most of the dacoity committed in this district is the work of the nomads mentioned in my answer to question 51. As many of them are found to be under the influence of ganja when committing the most cruel dacoities, and there is no reason to think that they are ignorant of the reputation ganja has of increasing powers of endurance and lending Dutch courage, we have every reason to suppose that they do fortify themselves with these objects before undertaking specially dangerous and arduous crimes. 55. Majum is often used by criminals to stupefy their victims, and complete stupefaction can be induced by majum without further admixture. I know of one instance of a boy being induced to smoke ganja as an aphrodisiac, and rendered so incapable as to allow of his ornaments being removed by his tempters without protest from him. The boy, however, said he was not so stupefied as not to be aware of the removal. He afterwards slept for a long while. Ganja leaves are smoked mixed with tobacco. Question 53[oral evidence].—I remember two eases of arson, the offender in one of which had previously been guilty of several indecent assaults. Several cases of indecent assault were also committed by the Babajis of a Math in Rajamandri. There was a case of attempted homicide in the Vizagapatam district, and one in the Kistna district of actual homicide. These are the cases referred to in my written answers. They all came into court. I should think the records of the cases would contain reference to the use of ganja. All the cases were acquitted on the ground of insanity, and the offenders went to the lunatic asylum. In one case of arson only the offender, who had become sane before the trial began, was acquitted. He was found to have committed the offence in a fit of insanity. This man was not sent to the asylum, as the District Surgeon certified he was no longer a dangerous lunatic. In saying that the men were in a state of frenzy I mean that they were actually insane. I associate these cases with ganja because the men were known ganja smokers, and, as well as I could ascertain, none of them showed any symptoms of being insane before he took to ganja. Some of them had been insane for a year and other considerable periods. They had been smoking for several years. The case of arson in which the man was discharged occurred in Rajamandri in 1870 or 1871. The records of that case must have been destroyed. Question 54.[oral evidence]—The effects of ganja when used as a fortification for commission of crime last longer than those of alcohol, and the drug is not so likely to disable a man by intoxication as alcohol is. I should gather that a criminal had not used alcohol from the absence of the smell of liquor. I could not say that a man dosed with ganja could be detected by the smell, because the ganja smoker has no distinctive smell. The inference that the men of whom I speak were under the influence of ganja was drawn from the fact that they were intoxicated, i.e., elevated, and did not smell of liquor. It was also apparent that they were not consumers of opium, because that would have been detected by the look of their eyes. In my experience opium does not incite to violence. Further, the persons in question when arrested were found to be habitual ganja smokers. If they had been habitual liquor drinkers, I should not necessarily have expected that they would have used liquor to fortify themselves, because, being associated with ganja smokers, they might have thought ganja would serve the purpose better. I have never seen a man using ganja for the first time. The result in such cases as I have heard of has been that the man has been stupefied. But in those cases the drug was administered with a view to stupefaction. Ordinarily a liquor drinker would fortify himself with liquor. On the contrary a ganja smoker would certainly not take alcohol to fortify himself. In this answer I do not attribute the crime to the ganja habit. We have a great many ganja smokers who are criminals, but that is purely an accident. In the register which is kept of bad characters the ganja liquor or opium habit is noted. I am speaking of the district in which I am now serving. I think, however, that the fact is generally noted. The reason for noting it is that the man's sources of livelihood and expenditure are recorded as far as possible. No use would be made in court of this information. - Evidence of Mr. H. G. PRENDERGAST, District Superintendent of Police, Kistna.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Yes, out of 21 on the active list of criminals in the Vizianagram town, 15 are habitual ganja smokers and opium eaters or smokers, These men commit thefts and house breakings, though not of a serious nature. 53. I have known of cases in which the excessive use of ganja smoking has made the consumers mad ; but I know no case in which it led to homicidal frenzy. 54. No never. 55. Yes, several cases occurred in which criminals induced their victims to partake of madum or confection, and so stupefied them to rob them of their personal property. No complete stupefaction can be had by ganja if taken moderately. An unusually large dose, of course, brings upon the consumer complete stupefaction. Further paper put in by RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY.
55. I most respectfully beg to submit with re-ference to the remarks made by the Collector, in his letter No. 1407, dated 14th November 1893, as regards my answers to question 55 of the Hemp Commission that about the year 1879 a goldsmith named Manapilli Sooryanarain and another person who was a sweetmeat-seller gave sweetmeat mixed with some preparation of ganja to a goldsmith boy aged about 8 years and decked with ornaments worth about R500, and when the boy became stupe-fied under the influence of the drug, he was robbed of the jewels he had on his person and then strangled to death. This happened at Ankapalli. The case was convicted by the Sessions Court, Vizagapatam, sentencing the goldsmith murderer to be hanged by the neck and acquitting his accomplice. This case was quoted to me by the retired head constable, one named Della Ramaswami, who charged the case, being then the S. H. O. of the Ankapilli Police Station. A retired Police constable named Avala Polayya, who served for a long time in the Vizianagram town station, quotes another case as occurred in the town of Viziana-gram. The following are the particulars :— About the year 1877 a person of weaver caste gained intimacy with a dancing girl; one night coveting her personal property, he resorted to the plan of giving sweetmeat mixing with it madum (confection of ganja) ; but before it produced complete effect on her, he hurriedly gave a gap wound to her throat with a razor, and she woke up raising an alarm, and the man bolted away with a necklace, removing it from her neck hurry-skurry. The accused was sentenced for attempt at murder to 10 years' transportation. Question 51.[oral evidence]—These men are generally opium smokers. But if they cannot get opium they will go to ganja smokers and get ganja. I have found these men smoking and hence know that they take the drugs. All fifteen take opium. And all fifteen habitually take ganja. They do not mix the two drugs. But they take both as they can get them. Opium is limited to meal times; and for ganja there is no such limitation of time. There are now twenty-five men on my list; of these, are smokers as above. We generally enter the fact of smoking on the list. We have orders issued by the Inspector General of Police to give particulars about ganja, opium or alcohol habit in our history of criminals. This has been in force for twelve months. We are ordered to give the habits and customs of known depredators in their prescribed criminal history. The order was issued in 1892. The twenty-five names have been on my register for a long time. Some for ten or fifteen years. They were known from the beginning as smokers. But there was no record of this before 1892. There was no criminal history page before then, and I have not looked into the record of every case as made before that. Question 53.[oral evidence]—By mad, I mean only leaving worldly concerns and leaving home and going about. I only know of one man who has gone out of his mind from ganja. He is inoffensive, but has no sense. He was a police constable. He resigned before I entered the police, or was discharged, I cannot say. He is an old man. He has been about ten years mad. He begs. I did not know him before he was mad. I was told of him after I came to Vizianagram. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY, Telaga, Inspector of Police, Vizianagram.
43. Yes. 51. Nil. 53. By taking excessively it does not make a man to commit any crime whatever, as it makes him to fall down with giddiness. I have heard of several cases it brings on temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. Criminals in order to further their designs give them for their victims. It does bring on complete temporary giddiness on their victims - Evidence of T. S. KRISTNASAMY C HETTY, Vishnuvite, Pensioned Police Inspector, Trinamalay, South Arcot District
I have the honour to inform you that it is a matter of regret to me that I cannot throw any light upon such an important subject that would be worth recording. To answer but a few of the different questions would take up much time, and would also require some previous study to answer the questions effectively. It is well-known by jail officials that ganja is highly esteemed by the criminal population. In every jail ganja is found from time to time when searching prisoners, and from my own experience the most hardened offenders are the greatest consumers. I have been employed as a jail official for more than 26 years, and can remember at different times during that period assaults made on jail officials, jail servants and fellow-convicts by prisoners who were at the time, when committing the assaults, under the influence of ganja. In this respect the Madras Penitentiary probably heads the list, as the jail has generally some hundreds of habituals in it and many of them would go to extremes to getpossession of ganga. Those that could manage to get money from their friends outside would pay highly for a small quantity of ganja, and those without money would give away their food for a very small quantity of this drug. I have known prisoners to chew it as tobacco is chewed; but it was generally smoked rolled up in a leaf from a tree suitable for the purpose. Had observations been recorded at the Penitentiary from 1869 to 1879, some useful information as to its baneful effects upon those using it would have been forthcoming. I should certainly say, from the number of men I have seen under its influence, that the drug stimulates the passions of some men and makes others utterly reckless, caring but little when under its influence what crimes they commit. - Evidence of MR. I. TYRRELL, Superintendent of Central Jail, Rajahmundry.
51. Out of 187 habituals in this jail, 28 or 14.9 per cent, admit the use of ganja ; the average quantity consumed daily being about 3 pies worth. Some were diffident about giving information ; the number really addicted to the use of ganja may safely be put down at more. The average number of convictions against these 28 consumers is 5 including the present sentence. 52 to 53. No information. 54. Twenty-two out of twenty-eight (or 78.9 per cent.) of the habituals say they fortify themselves with ganja before committing a premeditated crime. Extra note.—One convict in the jail is a professional wrestler of fine physique ; he states before a wrestling match he always smokes some ganja and then, as he says, "I am not afraid of him." - Evidence of MR. E. L. F. CAVENDISH, Superintendent, Central Jail, Vellore
43. Yes. 51. Fifty per cent, of re-convicted prisoners now in jail use ganja when at liberty. 52 and 53. No information. 54. The effects of using these drugs are such that criminals do not use them before they go to commit crimes. 55, 56 and 57. No information. - Evidence of MR. E. H. GADSDEN, Superintendent, Central Jail, Coimbatore
43. Generally inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. All fakirs and wanderers from place to place, and those who are habitual gamblers with no permanent mode of living resort to ganja smoking; for want of the drug, whether moderate or excessive, leads to crime. 52 and 53. No information. 54. It is not used to fortify one's self to commit premeditated crimes or violence ; but when under its influenee at times it leads to crime coupled with timidity. 55. Yes ; criminals do at times, to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of the drugs to stupefy them. No ; complete stupefaction cannot be induced by this drug without admixtures. - Evidence of MR. H. E. G. MILLS, Superintendent, Central Jail, Triehinopoly.
43. Moderate consumers become, after their pipes, rather garrulous. Their garrulity is sometimes annoying to their neighbours, but I should say they are inoffensive. 51. Habitual moderate consumers of hemp do not form any large proportion of bad characters. The moderate use of hemp has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. The present number of re-convicted criminals is 92, and of these 6 are evidently habitual moderate consumers, and 1 only an habitual excessive consumer. 52 to 54. No information. 55. I have heard of cases in which criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of these drugs and so stupefy themselves. Invariably dhatura is said to be mixed with ganja in order to give a quicker effect. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug alone. - Evidence of MR. G. CLONEY, Superintendent of Jail, Tanjore.
43. Yes, as a rule. 51. I do not think that ganja-smoking incites to crime. 53. Not that I am aware of. 54. No. 55. No doubt complete stupefaction is often induced by those not accustomed to the use of the drug. - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris.
43. They are not offensive - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar.
43. No. Most natives object somewhat to ganja smokers as neighbours. - Evidence of CAPTAIN F. L. JONES, Commandant, 3rd Madras Lancers, Bellary.
43. As a rule. Charas intoxicates very rapidly. 51. Those who consume them are generally from a military point of view worthless characters. 52. As above. In a greater degree. 53. Yes; particularly ganja. In nearly every case of murder, by shooting, etc., which have occurred of recent years, the perpetrator has been a known ganja or charas eater. 54. Very probably. - Evidence of CAPTAIN C. M. KENNEDY, Commandant, 1st Pioneers, Trichinopoly
43. More or less. 51. Yes. 53. Yes ; almost all cases of murder, etc., by shooting have apparently been due to the use of ganja. 54. Yes. 55. (a) and (b) Yes. Question 51.[oral evidence]—This statement about the children of smokers being puny is not based on regimental experience, but on what I have noticed of the children of fakirs and other poor people who smoke. Of course, I have never made any special inquiry ; but this is my impression. In our regiment we have only four Kahars or Bhoois attached to the hospital. But on service we had Kahars, Hindustanis, to the number of 40 or 50 at a time. They were generally consumers of the drugs. I never saw any deterioration in. their work from taking ganja, but the consumer who was accustomed to the drug could not work without it; he seemed unfit for work. They have very heavy work. Question 53.[oral evidence]—No case of murder from drugs has ever happened in my regiment. But I remember that a case occurred in Bangalore in 1885 in the 12th Madras Infantry, in which a sepoy named Ramkistama shot the Jamadar, Adjutant, and Drill Havildar of his regiment. The men of the 12th said he was a great ganja smoker. He was hanged. There was no enmity, but great friendship between the sepoy and the Jamadar in this case. I heard of another case which occurred a year later in the same regiment, in which a Jamadar shot the Subadar with a revolver and then his wife and then himself. I asked about the matter, and heard that the Jamadar had been a ganja smoker, and also that there had been great enmity between him and the Subadar. I remember also a case of a bairagi who committed suicide by thrusting his tongs into his throat. I was playing near at the time. He was a ganja smoker. This was in 1866 at Hoshangabad when I was a boy with my father, who served in this regiment. People said he was a ganja smoker, and saw him smoke. I know that bairagis also use dhatura, but that was not mentioned. Besides these three cases I have never myself known any case of the connection of hemp drugs with such crimes. I have never seen any other such case. I have been told of such cases occurring in other places. Question 54.[oral evidence]—My answer here is purely based on hearsay. I have never seen such a case. Question 55.[oral evidence]—My answer here is based on hearsay. I have never seen such a case, except that I can recall the case of a man in my regiment in 1868 or 1869, who was said to have given his wife majum and made her insensible, and then cut her throat through jealousy. It was at Kamptee. I remember the murder. I was in the regiment. - Evidence of SUBADAR MAJOR MAHAMMAD MURTUZA, 1st Madras Pioneers, Trichinopoly.
43. I don't think so. 53. I know of only one such case. A sepoy who was a ganja smoker and majum eater ran amok in Burma. 55. I don't think ganja or any of its preparations are ever used for this purpose. Question 53.[oral evidence]—The case here referred to occurred in 1887 in Yemethin in Upper Burma. The sepoy was in my regiment. I knew him by face. Nothing had struck me about him. He was between 30 and 35. No motive was proved at the inquiry. He fired off several bullets, but hit nobody. He fired from the house he was in. As he would not lay down his arm, the Colonel ordered him to be shot down and he was killed. He belonged to this presidency. When I went to examine his kit with the officers of the regiment majum was found. The sepoys said he ate this, especially at night. The Court of Inquiry gave their decision that the man ran amok from eating ganja in majum. Majum was the only form in which he was shown to use the drug. I speak of him in my written answer as a ganja smoker, because (I think) that ganja was probably found in his parcel. My statement is only based on that: I must have been told that when I was writing. It was about midday that the man fired at his comrades. The first shot was fired at the havildar. There was no mention at the inquiry of any quarrel with the havildar. The man's character was perfectly good so far as I remember. He was certainly not a marked man in any way. I had no idea that he was in any way of evil character though I knew him very well. Therefore the only solitary connection between the running amok and majum was that majum was found in his bag after the crime. Most Madras sepoys drink more or less. I do not know if he did. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR CHATTERJIE, Medical Officer in charge 13th Madras Infantry, Cannanore.
Question 53.[oral evidence]—The only case which I know of any violence or breach of discipline connected with hemp drugs in the Central Jail during the twelve years I was in medical charge, was that of Ibrahim Khan, the sepoy above referred to. The average jail population for the past year, was 1,200. For short periods I have acted as Superintendent of this jail. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR JOHN LANCASTER, District Surgeon, North Arcot.
43. No. 53. Yes. No. 54. Yes. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR K. C. SANJANA, Parsi, District Surgeon, Tinnevelly.
51. Eight per cent. of the re-convicted prisoners confined in this jail confess to having occasionally used ganja, but none of them appears to have been an habitual consumer, moderate or otherwise. 53. With reference to the latter part of this question, I may cite the case of the Anantapur Collector's peon, a Muhammadan, who, while under the influence of ganja, killed an old beggar man under the impression that he was a pig, but it is not known if the original mental aberration was antecedent or subsequent to the use of ganja. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. O ' HARA, District Medical and Sanitary Officer and Superintendent of Jail, Bellary.
43. Apparently so; they are seldom or never brought before Magistrates for breaches of the peace. 53. I cannot give in detail of any particular case; but I have always understood that when sepoys "run amok" and discharge their loaded. firearms promiscuously, they do it under the influence of hemp in some form. 54.Cases have occurred in which sepoys in this presidency, meditating revenge on a comrade or an officer, are reported to have fortified themselves with ganja for the contemplated act of violence. 55.(a) I am not aware. (b) It is a narcotic, and as such is followed by sleep and stupor, if given in sufficient quantity. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. L. WALKER, Civil Surgeon, Ootacamund.
43. No. 53. Yes; I knew one case in which a sepoy in a regiment in Burma, who was addicted to smoking bhang, after an excessive dose run through the lines cutting down every one he met with a knife. This excitement lasted for about half an hour. He was caught, and appeared to know nothing of what occurred. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. PEMBERTON, Civil Surgeon, Cochin.
43. I think they are querulous, if nothing worse. 53. Some time ago I had to see a person who had used a preparation of hemp for a week or ten days as a sexual stimulant. He became a melancholiac with repeated attempts at suicide. In another case the person had used the drug, or rather a preparation of it, for a similar purpose for about a month. While using the drug, his friends observed some strangeness in his manners. Then came a rude mental shock, ending in violent mania with homicidal tendency. The malady gradually assumed a chronic form, carrying off the patient in a couple of years. During his insanity he would frequently talk of the drug, and sometimes would ask for it. 53. The first case in this answer was a patient in my private practice. He had swallowed a dose of patent medicine with the object of committing suicide. I was called in, and was told by his friends that he had been taking a preparation of hemp as an aphrodisiac. I don't know what the preparation was composed of. The patent medicine was one for treating scorpion sting, and quite distinct from the aphrodisiac. The patient had previously attempted to commit suicide by throwing himself into a well, I was told he had been out of his mind for three or four days before I was called in. He was under my treat -ment, as well as I remember, for about a fortnight, and recovered completely. 1 treated him for the poison and not for melancholia. He was impotent by his own statement, and had been in that state for four or five years. He was about 30 years of age. He said the preparation of hemp had had no effect, and he had increased the dose because it had proved inefficient. He was talking nonsense when I first attended him. Though he recovered from the poisoning he did not regain full possession of his will till a month after I first attended him. I knew him before he began to take the hemp drug, and his ultimate condition, after he recovered, was the same as that in which I formerly knew him. I made his acquaintance three or four months before he began to take the hemp drugs. He was then living with his family, consisting of mother, wife, brother and sister. I have not known the suicidal tendency to show itself in persons who supposed themselves impotent. His relations, whose acquaintance I made, were sound in intellect. I do not remember enquiring into the history of the patient's family further back than his father, who, I learnt, was a respectable man. I made no other enquiries as to the cause of insanity. The use of the hemp drug was the one fact mentioned to me, and I accepted it. As well as I remember, he had a daughter 6 or 7 years old. I know insanity arises from other causes than ganja, and therefore I think I must have made enquiry whether the insanity was due to other causes than ganja, but the use of the hemp drug was the only fact which made an impression upon me. When I said that I made no other enquiry as to the cause of insanity, I meant no other enquiry regarding heredity, The hemp drug could not have been the only fact mentioned to me, but it was the fact which appeared to me to furnish an adequate cause of the insanity. I do not remember now if I made any enquiry into the cause of insanity. As far as I was concerned, it was a case of poisoning, and I did not treat the patient for insanity. I knew the members of the patient's family, and had already learnt that the father was a respectable man. There was therefore no reason for me to enquire about them, and as well as I remember I did not enquire. The person, the subject of the second case described in 53, was brought into Adirampatnam to his brother, a Salt Inspector, whom I had known for one month previously. The man was insane when he was brought in, and I saw him within two or three days of his arrival. During the next month or so I saw him four or five times. He was always in the same condition. The Salt Inspector was then transferred, and took his brother away with him. I heard of his subsequent history. I asked the Salt Inspector the details of the case, and he told me what I have stated in my answer. The hemp preparation was said to be one of the aphrodisiacs commonly prescribed by the native doctors, and I was told that the mental shock was caused by a letter impugning the character of his wife. I don't know how the Salt Inspector got information about the insane's history previous to his arrival at his house. I did not make any enquiry into the cause of insanity beyond asking the Inspector whether the patient was insane from his birth or how, and the inspector told me of his having used the drugs for the purpose described and of the mental shock. I never treated the man at all. I never myself heard him talk of the drug. When brought into Adirampatnam he had been insane for a year and living at Tuticorin away from his brother. During that time I had not seen him, nor had his brother, the Inspector, seen him. I do not remember from whom I heard of his death, for I did not keep up any knowledge of him. - Evidence of Apothecary K. VASUDEVA RAU, Brahmin, Adirampatnam, Tanjore District.
43. Vellones. 51. Consumers are generally peaceful men. 53. No. 55. Possible and reported. Stupefaction sufficient for purposes of ordinary theft. - Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.
43. No ; when consumers run short of money <br/>to procure the drug, they commit small thefts, etc. 52. When habitual excessive consumers have no money to purchase the drug, they commit small thefts, pilferings, etc. I know of one consumer who used to rob brass vessels of his neighbour and mortgage them for buying the drug. 53. Yes. I am told a case recently occurred in Jeypore. The consumer, who owed a few rupees to another man, hit him with a tongi without any premeditation, on the latter asking the consumer for his due when he accidentally met him in the road. 54. No ; ganja makes the consumer a coward. 55. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. - Evidence of Apothecary N. H. DANIEL, In charge Police Hospital, Koraput, Vizagapatam District.
43. No. 51. Only theft on a small scale. 52. Cannot. 53. It produces cowardice on the contrary, and makes one chicken-breasted and hare-hearted. No. 54. No. 55. Yes. But not so much as alcohol. - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District.
43. They cause no manner of offence to their neighbours. 51. No. 52. Persons intending to commit suicide or homicide sometimes have recourse to bhang, so that they may. be stirred up to commit the offences. 53. Likely. No. 54. Yes, sometimes. 55. (a)Sometimes. (b) Yes - Evidence of K. JAGANNADHAM NAIDU,* Medical Officer, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
43. As a rule inoffensive; but it occasionally happens that a novice is too much excited by ganja smoke, and then may prove obnoxious to neighbours. 51. (a) No. (b) Hardly any connection. 53. In some few cases excessive indulgence is said to induce so much excitement as to lead to acts of violence on the slightest provocation, such as severe assault, regardless of consequences. But ordinarily the effect of such indulgence seems to be to completely incapacitate the individual, either by intoxicating or by inducing an extreme apathetic condition, so that no attempt whatever is made even to resent an aggression. No such case is known to me. 54. Not at all usually. 55. (a) Very seldom indeed. (b) It would appear so. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem.
43. Yes. 51 (a) No. (b) They become timid after consuming the drug, and never commit any crime. 52 to 54. No. 55. Yes ; complete stupefaction can be produced without any admixture - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
43. Yes. 51. No bad characters among habitual moderate consumers as far I am aware, and crimes do not occur by moderate indulgence. 52. Reverse of things mentioned in 51 happens if used. in excess, and leads to commit crimes with-out distinction. 53. Excessive indulgence of the drugs sometimes incite to actions of an unpleasant character, almost amounting to crimes, more especially of a violent character. 1 knew a case some years ago in which it led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Not that I am aware of, though I had been serving in four central and district jails in the Madras presidency. 55. Criminals do administer this drug without any addition to stupefy persons, more especially children, to further their objects. 53. The case of temporary homicidal frenzy referred to occurred ten years ago. The man was a Hindu of the Pillay or shepherd caste, who used to eat the ganja in the raw state—the leaves from the bazar. He did not smoke it. He ground the dried leaves and ate them. He took it to excess. I have seen him eat it. The man lived close to me in Madras. He was an educated man. He was a quarrelsome man, and used to attack his relatives and beat them. He did this often. He was not insane. He quarrelled and used rods or sticks for beating his relatives No such assault was ever made the subject of police inquiry. He was a violent man. There was a family quarrel between him and his uncle, and it was the uncle and his children this man used to attack. I think that on all of these occasions the man wanted to commit murder. That is why I call it homicidal frenzy. I think it was the hemp drug used to excess that made him violent. He was naturally a quiet man, and all these outbursts were when he was under the influence of the drug. I have seen him so twice. He used to take liquor also, and was several times drunk from the effects of liquor. I think it was the joint use of liquor and the drugs that made him act so. As the questions were restricted to hemp drugs, I said nothing about liquor. He was under the influence of ganja on the two occasions I saw him violent. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras.
43. Not offensive. 51. The habitual consumers, whether in modera- tion or excessive in use, are generally debauchees and thieves. The former is due to aphrodisiac properties, and the latter for the want of money to meet the expenses of their favourite drug. 53. I have not heard or seen any case of homicide. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the administration of some of the preparations of ganja, and also by ganja alone. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant CHINNY SREENIVASA RAU, Prapanna Komity, L. F. Hospital, Bobbili Vizagapatam District.
43. All sorts of consumers are offensive to their neighbours. But it is not so when recommended by doctors and taken as stated in the pre-vious answer. 51 and 52. I do not know. 53. Excessive indulgence in smoking ganja or drinking bhang may incite unpremeditated crime. I know a man once drunk an overdose of bhang and fell into a well. I cannot say whether it was intentional or accidental. I think that it also leads to permanent frenzy, though he may have temporary relief. I know that a man (some three years ago) who indulged excessively in smoking ganja for less than a year, became mad. Once he entered into a European gentleman's house in day time and was wearing the gentleman's dress when the servants saw him and dragged him from the house. The same man on another oc-casion entered into a school, took away some books, etc., and threw them in a jungle. I know not about charas. 54. I think they are rarely used in the present day (ganja and bhang). I do not know about charas. 55. Overdoses of ganja and bhang could stupefy persons, hence may be given by criminals to their victims. By overdoses complete stupefaction could be induced without the admixture of any other drugs, though the person could sometimes be able to speak incoherently and murmur or bawl out slowly. I do not know about charas - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATH PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District
43. Not offensive to their neighbours if consumed moderately. 51. Yes ; the crimes that they commit have not come to my notice. 53. Excessive indulgence of these drugs, no doubt, produces unpremeditated crimes. No case s occurred during my life. 54. Yes. 55. Criminals often partake these drugs in or-der to increase their designs and stupefy themselves. Complete stupefaction can be induced without the aid of any other drugs. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant MADURANAYAGUM PILLAI, Vellala, Uravakonda, Ananlpur District.
43. Yes; I have not seen any one, who use ganja moderately, is offensive to any body. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant C. M. APPATHORAI MUDALIAR, Vellala, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Hindupur, Anantapur District
43. Yes. 51. No, moderate consumers are never connected with crime. 52. The excessive consumers (ganja-smokers and bhang-drinkers) also never commit crime ; they are observed violent at times. 53. Not in general. 54. Never, as far as I know. 55. Never have I found such cases. However, I read instances of the kind as having occurred in Mysore territory. Yes, complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, P enukonda, Anantapur District
43. Moderate consumers are quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Bad characters, habitual moderate consumers are not in large proportion addicted to these drugs, and they have not any connection with crimes. 52. The excessive use of these drugs likely to bring some crimes of trifling nature. 53. The excessive use of these drugs is likely to incite some violence, and is not led to any tem -porary homicidal frenzy, as far as I know. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves in committing any crimes, etc. 55. The criminals never use these drugs to fur -ther their designs, and stupefaction can be completed without any admixture. - Evidence of MIRZA DAVOOD BEG, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Trichinopoly.
43. I find generally that while some moderate consumers of ganja are inoffensive, there are other instances where the consumers of ganja during the moments of intoxication are predisposed to quarrel. Pereira in his elements of Materia Medica (1850) says :—In Orientals the inebriation or delirium produced by it is usually of an agreeable or cheerful character . . . It renders others excitable and quarrelsome and disposed to acts of violence (page 124) - Evidence of P. S. MOOTOOSAMY MODELLIAR, Retired Native Surgeon, Tanjore
43. They are inoffensive and very polite and homely with their neighbours, enjoying good chit chat, etc. 51. No large proportion of bad characters are moderate consumers of ganja or bhang. On the contrary, the moderate consumers are always poor and quiet people. It has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. I have not known of any such connection between moderate use and crime during my twelve years' experience as an Honorary Magistrate, Cuddapah. 52. The excessive consumers of ganja, who may be calculated at only 20 per cent. and less of the whole number of consumers, may very occasionally commit some crime, But I had no opportunity to know of such cases. 53. I have not known of cases in which excessive indulgence in any of the drugs incited to un -premeditated crime. - Evidence of H. S. A. M. MUNJUMIAH, Native Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.
43. Moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. Bad characters are not habitual consumers. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these does not incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. It does not make the consumer like to injure others. 54 and 55. No - Evidence* of SINGITAPU VENKATA RAO, Brahmin, Madahwa, Native Physician and Inamdar, Coconada, Godavari District
43. The moderate consumers are not in any way offensive or troublesome to their neighbours. 51. In certain cases before committing any criminal act, the criminals generally bhang themselves to do an act without consideration. 53, The use of these drugs causes sometimes indulgence and incite to commit unpremeditated crimes, violence, and there may be several cases in which the police apprehend them for annoyance to the people in the public roads, etc. 54. Yes. 55. Of course, the criminals generally smoke and without any mixture, eat also mixing it with different substances to fortify themselves in order to commit any criminal act without meditation. - Evidence of I. PONNUSAWMI PILLAI, Private Practitioner, Pothawar, Salem, District.
43. I have not met any consumers, moderate or immoderate, who were offensive. 55. I think they do in rare cases. - Evidence of the RAJA OF RAMNAD,* Madura District.
43. They are offensive to their neighbours, who speak ill of them. - Evidence of SRI VASUDEVA RAJAMANI RAJAH DEO, Kshatria, Zamindar of Mandasa, Ganjam District.
43. Yes ; moderate consumers give no offence to their neighbours - Evidence of SRI SRI SRI GOURA CHANDRA. GAJAPATY NARAYAN DEO GARU, Kshatria, Zamindar of Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
43. I cannot say that they are entirely so. 51. Yes. These drugs being productive of intoxication, the user is not unlikely to have recourse to any crime in general under the influence of the drugs, especially as the use of these drugs has more connection with gambling and theft, to which the consumers have general recourse with the view of getting money for purchasing these drugs, inasmuch as the consumers are in not less then 75 cases out of 100 vagabonds, notorious bad characters, and bairagis, who spend their life in rambling over the country depending on others for their expenses.
53. Yes. I am not aware. - Evidence of TIMMARAZU VENKATA SIVA RAO., Brahmin, Landed Proprietor and Chairman, Municipal Council, Chicacole, Ganjam District.
43. I think they are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The use of this drug here is not so very common as to draw any such conclusions. 54. I have not heard of any such case here. - Evidence of C. MUTHU KUMARASWAMI MUDELLIAR, Zamindar, Chunampet, Chingleput District.
51. Ganja eaters do not undertake to commit any actionable wrongs, as far as I know. 53. The indulgence to any degree would not in the least induce the consumer to commit any crime. I do not know if this has ever led to homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. I have not heard of any such case. - Evidence of ABDUL KARIM SAHIB, Native Physician, Namakkal, Salem District.
51. It seems that ganja increases the bad characters of the habitual consumers who practise it or use it once a day, and hence show their violence. 53. Ganja, when taken excessively, excites a consumer to commit any kind of voilence. About 23 years ago there was a consumer, named Podmanapha Marvary, who actually tried to stab one Dasarathi Chavu Patnaik with the cruel intention of murdering him. 54. I am not aware of instances in which the consumers take ganja to commit a premeditated act of violence and defend themselves by pleading that they were out of their senses ; but it is said that such things may be done. 55. It is possible that a criminal, in order to further his designs, can induce his victim to partake of any of these drugs and so stupefy him. This drug, without any admixture, when taken, causes consumption and bile ; but it does not entirely stupefy a man. - Evidence of SRI VASUDEVA RAJAMANI RAJAH DEO, Kshatria, Zamindar of Mandasa, Ganjam District
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. He becomes a coward, and does not commit crimes. He may go a-begging for the means to get the gauja when in want of means. 52. No crimes are connected with the excessive use of these drugs individually, but when they assemble in large numbers, they fall upon each other and thus commit crime. 53. Yes. A collection of the ganja consumers put together may lead to temporary frenzy. 54. No. 55. Yes. They can induce them, giving them the drugs mixed with other things. It completely stupefies without any admixture whatever. - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah
43. Yes. 51. Yes; no connection at all, the consumers being as a rule timid. 53. It does not at all excite. I do not know of any case, but it seems to lead to such an effect. 54 and 55. No - Evidence of SAGI RAMA SASTRY, Brahmin, Inamdar and Native Doctor, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.
53. I have known the mildest prisoners commit aggravated assaults on their fellow-prisoners and on prison officers when under the influence of these drugs, and I believe that my experience in this respect will be confirmed by every Superintendent of a large central jail of any considerable experience. 53. I can recollect assaults of the kind having been committed; but I cannot give the number of the cases that occurred. They occurred in every jail of which I have been in charge. The ganja must have been smuggled into the jail. I cannot remember the details of any single case as regards name, year, or date. The punishment registers probably mention ganja in some of these cases. In many cases, doubtless, punishment was awarded without the drug having been mentioned at all. I was never in charge of the Vellore Jail. In the cases in which these assaults could be with certainty attributed to ganja, the man's breath would smell of it, or ganja might be found on his person, or witnesses or jail officials might have seen him smoking. Prisoners might undoubtedly break out and commit violent assaults without being under the influence of narcotics. - Evidence of MR. W. A. SYMONDS, Agent and Manager to the Lessees of Sivaganga Zainindari, Madura District.
43. The uses of purnathi confection are not offensive, but those using ganja always select secluded places. - Evidence of M.R. RY. V. VENKATARO YER, Brahman, Managar, Ettayapuram Estate, Tinnevelly District.
43. Either moderate or excessive indulgence in the same does not make a man offensive to his neighbours ; but it makes him a little intoxicated —not as much as arrack does. 53. The use of ganja, etc., does not make a man senseless as arrack, etc., will do. So long as a man is under its influence, he will be a conscious speaker. I have not heard of anybody under its influence committing suicide. 54. No. 55. Criminals do not induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs, because it does not stupefy them. - Evidence of BONDILI MOTIRAM, Cultivator, Cocanada, Godavari District
43. The bairagis and the religious mendicants who are moderate consumers of ganja have been, to my knowledge, quite harmless. 51. I do not know. 53. I have not heard, nor do I know it. 54. I do not know. 55. I have heard that petty thieves or pickpockets stupefy children with these drugs mixed up in sweetmeats, and entice them to lonely places and rob them of their ornaments and clothes. - Evidence of LANKA KRISTNIENGAR, Vaishnava Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Srirangam, Trichinopoly District.
43. Yes. 51. No ; it has no connection whatever with crime like alcohol. On the other hand, it has the reputation of making people quiet and timid. 53 to 55. No - Evidence of K. SUBBARAYADU PUNTALU, Brahmin, Chairman of the Adoni Municipal Council, Bellary District
43. They are more or less unconscious, and hence inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. It does not incite to such crime, violent or otherwise. 54. No. - Evidence of E. SUBRAMANA IYER, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Conjevaram, Chingleput District.
43. Yes. Some who practise the habit say that they do so in preference to taking alcoholic stimulants, because the latter makes them noisy and quarrelsome, whereas the ganja only has the effect of making them dreamily contented with everything. 51. The religious mendicants, who are notorious bad characters, always use more or less of this drug (ganja). 53. I should say it would, though I have heard of no specific instances. 55. I am told that a stupefying confection is made with ganja and jagri, which may be used for criminal purposes. It is sold in Cuddapah under the name of majum. - Evidence of the REV. H. J. GOFFIN,*Missionary, Kadiri, Cuddapah District.
43. Quiet and inoffensive. 51. Yes; the proportion is very large. 53. They do commit very violent crimes. 55. Yes. - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHART, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.
43. Moderate consumers whom I have known have generally taken a ganja pill at night. Beyond being very irascible, I do not think they were offensive. 43. [oral eidence] The pill referred to in these answers is the legiam. 51. I should say 75 per cent. bad characters use these drugs in some form. In certain cases the drug inflames men's passions and drives them to deeds of violence, but these are not numerous. 51. One of the cases, on which my answer that ganja drives people to violence is based, occurred about ten years ago. A man shot his neighbours, and was tried, and, I believe, executed for it. People said that the deed was committed under the excitement of ganja. I have heard people quarrelling, and been informed that they were under the influence of ganja and liquor. The violent people are generally those who take both ganja and liquor. - Evidence of the REV. W. ROBINSON, Missionary, London Missionary Sobriety, Salem.
43. As a rule moderate smokers are inoffensive to their neighbours, but they are generally regarded as untrustworthy. No one would think of trusting a ganja smoker or of accepting his word on any matter of importance. 51. Most of the lazy disreputable characters in the villages used ganja. The ganja habit, by making a man unfit for regular work and weakening his moral sense, certainly helps to increase crime - Evidence of the REV. W. H. CAMPBELL, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah.
51. The users of ganja are not really considered as respectable people by the best members of Hindu society. 53. We know of a Brahmin who, while intoxicated with bhang, beat his child terribly. When he became sober, he cried bitterly with his wife because of what he had done, and lie confessed that he did it while intoxicated. - Evidence of the REV. W. V. HIGGINS,* Missionary, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.
43. They are not offensive. 51. I suppose that it is used with alcohol for crime, but have no specific information. - Evidence of the REV. JOHN S. CHANDLER, Missionay Madura
43. The neighbours do not love them, care for their company, or regard their word. They are thus mildly inoffensive. 55. Most certainly complete stupefaction can be so induced. One young man told me that a drink of bhang administered by a fellow-student put him into a deep sleep in fifteen minutes, from which all possible efforts on the part of his parents could not rouse him for several hours. - Evidence of the REV. H. F. LAFLAMME, Canadian Baptist Mission, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam.
43. As a rule they are not offensive. 45. It does not appear that the moderate or the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to commit crime or violence, nor are they used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence. - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.
Question 53.[oral evidence]—On rare occasions I have heard of the excessive use producing great excitement, and violence; but, according to my own observation, the effect is to render a man senseless. I have seen a man in such a state of excitement that he was ready to commit an act of violence, but disabled by being unable to control his limbs. I saw a sepoy in the 7th Regiment at Jalna in this State. That was when I was a boy of twelve years of age. I have seen no such case during the last twenty years. I remember having had to deal With a case on the bench of Magistrates in Vizagapatam in which a " wastad " had committed a violent assault, apparently under the influence of hemp. - Evidence of the VERY REV. A. CHELVUM, Roman Catholic Diocese, Vizagapatam
43. Moderate consumers are quite inoffensive. 51. Moderate use does not bring about crime or any special crime. 52. Excessive use does not induce crime, but the poverty of the consumer and his previous bad character induce him to pilfer, but not to commit any serious crime. 53. I have never known or seen any person incited to violent crime or homicidal frenzy. - Evidence of N. KOTHUNDARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Editor of "Suneeti" Rajahmundry, Godavari District
43. Yes; they are harmless - Evidence of K. VEMATASOOBIAH, Veishya, Trader and Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Cuddapah.
43. Yes. 51. No; it has nothing to do with crime. 53, 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of GANJAM VENCATARATNAM, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader, Coconada, Godavery District.
43. Yes. 51. (a) Yes. (b) When the consumers exhaust their purse, they would have recourse to stealing. 53. Yes. No; I do not know . 55. (a) Yes. - Evidence of VISWANADHAM GURAVAIAH SASTRI, Brahmin, Pleader and District and Taluk Board Member, Chicacole.
43. Yes, so far as I know. 51. Yes, of bhang. 53. Yes ; I know of a case which came for trial before the Sessions Court of Ganjam. The murderer was an immoderate smoker of ganja, and in a moment of temporary homicidal frenzy committed one murder and threatened to commit more when he was apprehended by the police. 54. Yes, by bad characters who lend their services for hire in the North-Western Provinces. 55. Yes ; bhang is administered to intended victims, and the dhatura is mixed to induce complete stupefaction. - Evidence of B. CHATTERJEA, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Ganjam, and Chairman, Berhampore Municipality.
43. Yes. They are quite inoffensive. They avoid quarrels and disturbances. 51. I do not think that moderate consumers of certain preparations of ganja are more prone to commit crimes or offences than others. 53. No. 54. No; it is said to have the opposite effect.
55 Complete stupefaction is produced by the preparation called "majum." Criminals do induce their victims to partake of ganja to stupefy themselves. - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary.
43. Moderate consumers also are quarrelsome to their neighbours. 53. The excessive indulgence sometimes lead to violent actions. 54. Criminals are said to use these drugs to fortify themselves to commit premeditated offences. - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and .Municipal Chairman, Vellore.
54. It is often said criminals use country arrack, but nothing heard of these drugs in connection with criminals - Evidence of C. SRINIVAS RAO, Brahmin, Government Pleader, and Chairman, Municipal Council, Cuddalore.
43. No. 51. Crime has little or no connection with the smoking of ganja or bhang. Most violent crimes have wine or woman at the bottom, Country liquor plays a prominent part in the commission of violent crimes. 53. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. - Evidence of MANCHALLER JAGANNADHAM, Brahmin, Pleader, Bapathla, Ristna District.
43. Yes. 51. No; unlike toddy and liquor or arrack, moderate use of ganja has no connection with crime. 53. No instances are known. 54. No ; it unfits a man by making him dull and stupid. 55. Not in these parts - Evidence of P. KESAVA PILLAI, Karnam, Pleater, and Honorary Secretary of the Gooty People's Association.
43. They are inoffensive. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. The use of ganja does not result in the commission of crime. 52. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. The use of ganja does not result in the commission of crime. 53. No ; I know of no such cases. 54. Ganja mixed with some other drugs or intoxicants is, I think, so used and not mere ganja. 55. Any new man taking ganja, if induced to sleep, can enjoy it soundly, when any crime can possibly be committed, such as robbery. Raw ganja, with or without admixture, stupefies man if taken in, but not by mere smoking. The stupefaction by ganja is not complete. - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary
43. Of course they are inoffensive. 51. None, on account of this drug. 52. The same question is well discussed in answering some of the previous questions. 53. No. 54. No. This drug does not bereave a man of his senses. 55. When this drug is alone taken, and when it is prepared properly, it will not do any one any sort of harm when it is taken moderately. - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District
43. They are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. No connection of its use in any crime. It generally produces timidness. 53, 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of KOMMIREDDI NARASINGA Row NAYUDU GARU, Merchant, Coconada.
43. I have not heard of any offence being done to any one by a moderate consumer. 55. I hear of an oil, called bhang oil, used by criminals to stupefy their victims in order to further their designs, but I do not think that the drug itself can be given in such a quantity to produce that effect. - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras.
43. Moderate consumers are generally consi -dered to be inoffensive to others. 51. Almost all the habitual consumers are treated as men of bad character. It makes a man talk inconsistently. 53. Even the excessive indulgence cannot incite a man to commit an act (punishable under Indian Penal Code) not previously thought of. 54. Though the criminals retain the memory of the violence they intend to commit after the use of these drugs, still their minds cannot be fortified to further their designs, just as they do by drink -ing liquor. 55. Criminals may have recourse to the drug as a means to stupefy their victims in order to carry out their intentions. - Evidence of NALUM BHIMARAUZ VYSYIA, Merchant, Berhampore, Ganjam District.
43. It is inoffensive. Question 43. [oral evidence] — Moderate consumers of the drugs are inoffensive in their conduct. The preparation of the drugs, however, causes disagreeable smells which are offensive. 51. I have not experienced any crimes in co nnection with the use of these drugs as it is seen in people with alcoholic stimulants. 52. Nothing. 53, 54 and 55. I do not know. - Evidence of MR. D . MANECKJI, Parsi, Merchant and Contractor, Calicut
43. Moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. The consumers of ganja, etc., are never known to have committed any crime or done any injury. 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of MOKHALINGAM APPANNA, Ganja Vendor, Coconada.
43. Yes; they are inoffensive. 51. No; the moderate use of this drug will not result in the commission of any crime. 53. No. 54. No; as soon as one consumes the drug, he becomes dull on account of intoxication, and so he will not be able to commit any crime of a grave nature. 55. Yes; they sometimes do so. Complete stupefaction requires some admixture. - Evidence of PERIANNA CHETTY, Potter, Ganja Shop-keeper, Kitchipolayam, Salem.
3. Moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours. 53. I am not aware of any such instance. 54. Ganja is used for this purpose. 55. Ganja is sometimes made into a kind of sweetmeat for kidnapping children. - Evidence of T. RATNASAMI NADAR, Arrack Supply Contractor, Malabar
43. Moderate consumers do not have much in-clination for sexual intercourse, and their passions would subside, so they would never be offensive to the neighbours. 51. (a) Some bad characters do not use this drug, because it suppresses passions, creates timidness. (6) Habitual consumers, sometimes in a state of intoxication, may take away things which do not belong to him, whether with or without consent of their owners. As timidity is produced, habitual consumers of this drug do not commit grave offences, as murders, robbery, etc. If habitual smokers of ganja also use arrack, they dare do any mischief. 53. This drug alone does not incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals. 55. No; it does not produce complete stupefaction as alcohol. - vidence of MULAGULA KONDIAH, Goldsmith, Rajahmundry.
43. Moderate smokers are quite inoffensive to their neighbours. Eaters do mischief very rarely. Generally they are all timid. 51 and 52. Crime and consumption of ganja are far from each other. Consumers of this drug in any shape are specially timid, and do not resort to acts of violence. 53 and 54. No. 55. Ganja is generally used by the non-consumers of it to induce stupefaction for the perpetration of crime. Complete stupefaction can be brought about in less than an hour with the help of this drug and its admixture. - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.
43. They are inoffensive, and on the other hand, cannot defend themselves against any aggressors. 51. Bad characters are not habitual users of these drugs. 53 and 54. No. 55. Criminals use these drugs to stupefy their victims, and rob them of their property. The drugs are mixed with sweets and then administered to the victims. - Evidence of MALLAPPA, Reddy, Guntakal.
43. Ganja smokers are not generally offensive to their neighbours. 51. Bad characters also consume this drug, but I cannot give any further particulars. 53. Excessive indulgence in these drugs may incite to unpremeditated crime or violence. - Evidence of SAMDASU BAVAJI, Brahmin, Priest in the Matt of Sri Jagannadha Swamy, Rajahmundry.
43. Yes. Question 53.[oral evidence]—From the taking of ganja, strength and courage are developed. But a ganja consumer will not commit crime. The drug does not incite to crime. The man who intends to commit a murder or dacoity will not take bhang. I have never heard of such a case. It is the respectable Marwari that takes bhang as a cooling drinking in the hot weather with spices. That is how bhang is used. - Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry
43. They are inoffensive to neighbours, and they don't injure any one. 51. Bad characters do not use this. It has no connection with any crime. 53. Excessive indulgence does not incite to unpremeditated crime. No, we are not acquainted with any such case. 54. No, they do not use this for committing any crime or any act of violence. 55. No, they do not do so. - Evidence of SYED SHAH ABDAL HUSAINI, Manager of Pencundah's Dargah, Pencundah, Anantapur District.
43. It is said that, as a rule, they are quite inoffensive. But a beggar who has acquired 'concentration of thought' by the use of it will be a nuisance till his object is attained by receipt of alms. If this be so, it is probable that much must depend on the natural suavity of the smoker's disposition. Yet I am assured by an habitual excessive smoker that it calms the temper. 55. It is said that a novice could be caused complete stupefaction by the drug in any shape without admixture. - Evidence of MR. E. J. EBDEN, Collector, Ahmednagar.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. The District Superintendent of Police states that though bad characters occasion
ally consume the drug, the use of it is not general. 53. Not known. No such case has come under my notice during 24 years as a Magistrate. 54. No case known in this district. 55. No cases known, though the use is occasionally suspected. Majum is said so to be given in order to allow of rape and theft on women. - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum.
43. Quite so. 51. No significant proportion of bad characters. No special connection with crime has been noted. - Evidence of MR. F. S. P. LELY, Collector of Surat
I believe that in ordinary magisterial work there is no connection between hemp drugs and crime. But there are certain crimes—murders and crimes of violence—ascribed to ganja ; and there are also certain statements regarding the use of the drugs by Rajputs that point to its leading to violence. I have never sifted these statements ; nor have such facts come to my notice. On the other hand, I have been told that the drugs make a man timid. It is otherwise with alcohol. Among the Bhils, in the wild parts of Gujarat and in such districts as Thana, there are many crimes connected with alcohol. - Evidence of MR. J. M. CAMPBELL, C.I.E., Collector of Land Revenue and Customs and Opium, Bombay.
43. Quite so. 51. None whatever. 53. Men, no doubt, become highly excited and lose their mental balance by excessive indulgence. It was commonly reported that the man who attacked and was shot by Mr. W. Woodward, Collector of Nasik, some years ago, was frenzied by the use of hemp drugs. 54. I know of no such cases ; but it is said that persons about to run "amuck" do so to fortify themselves to get the steam up. 55. I have never heard of bhang or ganja being so used without the admixture of dhatura or some other potent drug, - Evidence of MR. H. WOODWARD, Collector, Kaira, Gujarat.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No, not as far as the public are concerned. 53. I have heard of one such case. 54. There is no evidence to this effect that I have been able to obtain. 55. It is said that majum and dhatura are re quired to produce stupefaction sufficient for such purposes. I have heard of no crimes perpetrated by these means. - Evidence of MR. W. W. DREW, Acting Collector, Ratnagiri.
51 and 52. Hemp is not largely consumed in any form by bad characters, and when it is, their consuming hemp has nothing to do with their committing crime. The largest hemp consumers are probably religious mendicants; some of these men may be bad characters, but if they are, their being so has no connection with their consuming hemp. 53. I have never known a case in which crime of any sort could be traced to indulgence in hemp. I have consulted eleven of the other magistrates of this district: one of them says he has known of a man's cutting off his wife's nose under the influence of hemp which he had been smoking; he adds that he thinks consumption of hemp is not sufficient to induce a man to commit a crime of violence without provocation. The other magistrates report that they have never known cases in which crimes were the result of indulgence in hemp. One magistrate reports that hemp produces inconsiderateness, i.e., carelessness of consequences. If this is the case (and it seems plausible) a man might commit crimes of violence more readily when under the influence of hemp, although the hemp did not directly provoke to violence. This would, for instance, account for a man's cutting off his wife's nose when under the influence of hemp, but in consequence of infidelity or supposed infidelity on the part of the wife when possibly had the man not been taking hemp he would have been equally anxious to cut off his wife's nose, but would have too much been afraid of the consequences to himself to do so. The same effect of course, be produced by indulgence in liquor, and it cannot be said that indulgence i n hemp, because it is (if it is) capable of producing this effect, incites to crimes of violence. As far, therefore, as my own experience goes, and as far as the opinion of eleven of the other magistrates of this district goes there is nothing to show that indulgence in hemp incites to crime. Of course I have heard of cases in which running amuck has been said to be due to indulgence in hemp; these cases, however, as far as I remember have occurred in the north of India, and I know nothing personally about them. Here, again it would be a question, supposing that the running amuck would not have taken place but for indulgence in hemp, "did such indulgence actually cause a desire to be violent, or was the desire to be violent present before, and did indulgence in hemp merely cause carelessness of consequences?" Cases of violence, the result of lunacy produced by indulgence in hemp, do not, I presume, come within the scope of the question. 54. Of eleven magistrates whom I have consulted, one says "licentious persons do take them (hemp drugs) to enhance the pleasure they hope they derive from their vice, or perhaps more correctly to drive away any compunctions of conscience. If such persons are thwarted hemp drugs consumed indirectly help them to commit some act of violence ." This is the same magistrate who says hemp produces inconsiderateness. Neither I nor any of the eleven magistrates I have consulted have ever known of a man taking hemp in order to fortify himself to commit crime. 55. I have no personal knowledge as to whether indulgence in hemp can produce complete stupefaction or not. The opinions of the eleven magistrates in this district whom I have consulted differ. Some say it can, some it cannot; some that it can in an unaccustomed subject. One says "one of my friends once thought of drinking ghota (a form of bhang). He took it in excess, and as a consequence he fell to the ground completely senseless for some hours." This is conclusive as regards the possibility of a man not accustomed to it being stupefied by drinking ghota ; whether ganja smoking would completely stupefy is probably more doubtful. I have never come across a case in which criminals have stupefied their victims by means of any form of hemp. Some of the magistrates consulted, report that majum (a sweatmeat prepared from the hemp) is given by criminals to stupefy their victims, some that majum mixed with dhatura is given; I am inclined to think that majum when used in this way has dhatura mixed with it, or at all events is not a preparation of hemp unmixed. - Evidence of MR. M. C. GIBB, First Assistant Collector, Ahmednagar.
51. Bad characters may be said generally to be habitual moderate consumers of these drugs according to their means. The moderate use has no marked connection with crime, either of general or particular character, except perhaps with thieving. Consumers of these drugs are now and then driven to theft to satisfy their craving for them. 52. Excessive use eventually makes the con -sumer go mad. But I do not consider that as a rule it excites to crime in general or to crime of a special character with the abovementioned rare exception. 53. Excessive indulgence is said to deter rather than to incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise; the consumer in excess becomes stupid and inactive so as to lose all his energy. I am not aware of a single case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Criminals do not use these drugs to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or crime. These drugs have a stupefying effect, rendering a man almost helpless. 55. These drugs are said to be administered by criminals to their victims with the object of stupefying them, to facilitate theft or deception of any kind. Opinions differ as to the character of stupefaction caused. The majority consulted state that complete stupefaction can be caused without admixture; others believe that to a person unaccustomed to the use of such drugs only can such stupefaction be caused without the aid of other drugs. All agree that sufficient stupefaction for the above-mentioned purposes can be effected without admixture, while one opinion declares that for complete stupefaction some ad -mixture is needed. - Evidence of MR. H W. BAGNELL, Assistant Magistrate, Poona.
43. Yes, as far as I have been able to ascertain. 51. Bad characters in so far that they are often persons with no fixed homes, or no regular means of employment, are frequently habitual moderate smokers of ganja. In my experience the use of the drug has no other connection with crime. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs or other preparations is apt to lead to unpremeditated crime. A man intoxicated by such indulgence will lose his self-control and be likely to do any act that occurs to him without considering whether it be good or bad. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. - Evidence of MR. C. G. DODGSON, Assistant Magistrate and Collector, Khandesh.
51. In discussing this question I have to divide bad characters into the following classes :— (a) Dacoits and robbers ; (b) Habitual thieves, who commit petty thefts; (c) Gamblers; (d) Pickpockets ; and (e) Idlers with no ostensible means of living, of whom not a few are persons going about in the characters of fakirs and bairagis. Of the above, persons in class (a) are rarely found to indulge to any degree in ganja or any other preparation of the hemp, as their calling requires them to be always active and rove about in search of prey, carefully deluding the eye of the Police and the public. Ganja and all other unmixed preparations of hemp never help persons addicted to them in doing deeds of daring and keeping active vigils. The effect of ganja smoking, which is the form in which it is generally used in the Deccan and Konkan, is to confine the energies of those addicted to them to the particular calling in which they are engaged, but in a subdued state. Those who are most accustomed to it are found to be emaciated and care-worn and scarcely capable of any active duty. Prevention of cold and protection against infectious diseases are the good qualities supposed to underlie the use of the drug, while affections of the lungs and gradual loss of blood and energy are the evil results of its use. Those who use ganja can be made out at a glance by the haggard and care-worn appearance and sunken eyes. Bhang used in the form of " gota," i . e., a preparation in which bhang is first cleansed and well mixed with water and pounded and afterwards mixed with milk, is used mostly by the richer classes, and is supposed to be a nutritive preparation, but not possessing the intoxicating quality like ganja. More than 90 per cent. lace-makers of the Deccan are habituated to the use of ganja, though they are a most peace-abiding class. Their profession is such that it calls for the use of some stimulant confining their energies to their calling. Under the influence of that drug they work most elaborately and turn out a quality of work which other-wise they should not be certainly able to do. In Sanskrit this hemp is termed "Dnyanvalli " and " Shambhavi" in that it is supposed to confine the attention of the individuals using it to the particular subject on which one begins to think before subjecting oneself to its influence, and the jogis and the really genuine class of bairagis never stop at a place where they are apprised of the fact that ganja is not sold there. Above and beyond this, it does not energize a man ; on the other hand, it has a tendency to come in the way of the devices of the robbers and dacoits in course of their daring and mischievous deeds. Mangs, Ramwanshis, Talwars, Kolis, Bhils and other aborigines, who form the greater number of dacoits, never use ganja or other drugs in which that article enters as an ingredient. In my experience of the Deccan districts, I have never come across a case of dacoity, robbery or any other heinous offence committed by persons under the influence of that drug. As for class (b), criminal records of either Deccan or Konkan will not reveal any cases of thefts or of ordinary violence committed while under the influence of ganja, though as far as my enquiries and private information go, a good many petty thefts are committed by persons who are moderate consumers of ganja. I must qualify my remark, however, by saying that rather than under the influence of the drug, such thefts are committed in furtherance of the vice by persons who cannot otherwise obtain the means of procuring that drug. (c) Under this class are found good many persons addicted to ganja smoking, in that it helps them in keeping vigils and drown the cares and anxiety caused by heavy losses, which is the general lot of the class. It makes them persist in the play in the fond hope of making up their losses. (d) Pickpockets may be classed with persons described in class ( b), and the remarks passed with regard to them apply also to this class. (e) A greater portion of fakirs and bairagis are so only in name and are habitually given up to the consumption of ganja. They go about from house to house even in the smallest out-of-the-way villages and, carefully obtaining clue to the pro-perty in the house which they visit, remove it at convenient hours of day or night; sometimes they go in batches with families who conceal the illicit acquisitions of the males in "godhadis" and other wearing apparel. These people often make preparations of the drugs and slily use them in deceiving their innocent and ignorant compa-nions (pilgrims) in travelling. I shall touch in detail this point in replying to question 55. Excepting in the shape described above, ganja, bhang or charas moderately used never tends to the commission of any crime of a general or any special character. 52. Excessive use of these drugs utterly renders a man useless for any human purposes, so that crime committed under such influence need not be even dreamt about. Among bad characters in-stances are found of such persons as excessively use the drug in class (e) only, and they are entirely doomed. Most of their time is taken up in dozing and coughing away the effects. They are rarely of any use in domestic or public concerns, and they are a class utterly despised. Emasculation and emaciation are the very necessary results of the excessive use of ganja in all forms. 53. Unpremeditated crimes, violent or otherwise, are in my opinion incapable of being committed by persons given up to excessive indulgence in these drugs. I have never known an instance of a murder committed by a person whose temper was excited by the use of ganja or bhang. For the hemp does not deprive a man totally of his senses, and so much of sensibility is left in him as to make him distinguish between a good and a bad act. During my service as Assistant Collector in the districts of the Deccan and Gujarat, and latterly in Konkan, I never came across a single instance of murder committed under its influence. If murders are at all committed by a person after smoking ganja, I cannot believe it may be considered to be in any way influenced by its use. 54. No. I have given reasons in detail to show how the hemp does not fortify a man to do any active deed. It is merely a passive agent for keeping up spirits and confining a man's energies to any work in a limited groove to which one is accustomed. For when one is habituated to the use of ganja or bhang, the ordinary routine business of even the ordinarily employed is at a stop without it. Criminality is certainly beyond the pale of ordinary routine, however habitual an offence may become, and the tact and astuteness that are required to be exercised by the criminal cannot be mustered by the use of these drugs. 55. Ganja and bhang in their pure state are not generally employed by criminals in inducing their victims to partake of them to further their criminal designs. Ganja is sometimes used where the victims happen to be tobacco-smokers, a little strong powder being adulterated with tobacco while being placed in the pipe. To those who do not smoke the criminals administer bhang in the shape of preparations called "majum," a sweetmeat preparation, pleasant enough to eat. But neither of these drugs is sufficient to deprive the victims completely of their senses, but only to an extent sufficient to make them powerless to resist. It is only in extreme cases that I have heard of instances of some of the spurious bairagis using bhang admixtured in dhatura for inducing complete unconsciousness with the object latterly of committing serious crimes, as murder, etc. The victims happen to belong generally to illiterate classes or women and children. The higher classes are not generally induced to partake of such preparations, and the instances are few or none in which any intelligent person suffered himself to become a victim of such persons. Complete stupefaction by the use of these drugs unadulterated with dhatura or opium is impossible. - Evidence of the HON'BLE G. D. PANSE, First Assistant Collector, Ratnagiri.
43. Moderate consumers of the drugs are found to be perfectly inoffensive to their neighbours. During a long official career, of which nearly thirty years have been passed as a Magistrate, I have not met with a single case of intoxication in the streets from ganja or bhang, or a prosecution for disorderly behaviour in public from intoxica -tion from these drugs. 51. Bad characters do resort to stimulants, but I am not prepared to say that most of them use hemp drugs in preference to other stimulants. Alcoholic drinks seem to be much more frequently indulged in than the hemp drugs. I do not consider that the moderate use of any of the drugs incites to crime of any character. 52. Neither does the excessive use incite to crime as far as is known to me. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of the drugs does not lead to unpremeditated crime, as the excessive consumer is generally incapable, stupid, and inactive. I am not, however, able to say whether or not homicidal frenzy is caused. 54. and 55. I am not in a position to make a reply to this question. - Evidence of MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona.
51. No, not within my experience, nor am I aware of any connection existing between the moderate use of these drugs and crime in general or of any special character. 52. But the excessive use of ganja and charas may lead to crime, for those addicted to these drugs remain constantly under a stupor and are unable to follow any honest calling and must necessarily resort to crime. 53. I am informed that excessive indulgence in charas makes a man violent in his temper and leads him to commit offences attended with violence. The Pathans in Bombay are well known as a turbulent class, and they are mostly habitual consumers of charas. I had lately a case before me in which a Marwari goldsmith under the influence of charas attacked a bailiff with a pair of tongs and behaved very excitedly in court. I am not aware of any case in which the habit has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No ; but if a criminal addicted to these drugs intends to commit a crime, he feels himself powerless to act in the matter until he fortifies himself with the usual dose, The consumption of ganja generally makes a man timid ; and he does not therefore commit premeditated acts of violence, but it is different with charas, which would certainly be used by a habitual consumer who intends to commit any act of violence. 55. Yes. I have had cases in Ahmedabad in which a gang was engaged in a conspiracy to rob unsuspecting travellers and other innocent persons. They invariably prepared a chillum containing ganja with dhatura seeds intermixed, and induced their victims to smoke the pipe and thus render themselves unconscious. Immediately afterwards the victim was robbed and the gang decamped with his goods. So far as I can form a judgment in the matter, I think complete stupefaction could not be induced by this drug without any admixture. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR P. H. DASTUR, Parsi, Presidency Magistrate, Bombay.
43. Quite. 51. I do not think that moderate use has any connection with crime. 52. Even excessive use is not said to induce criminal tendency. 53. Not necessarily. No. 54. I don't think. 55. The hemp drug by itself would not stupefy completely - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LALLUBHAI GORDHANDAS, Vania, Huzur Deputy Collector, Nasik.
43. Yes, ganja smokers are sometimes inclined to quarrel when under intoxication. Occasional consumers are loquacious and divulge secrets of others and even of their own. 51. Use of these drugs, as far as I know, has no connection with crime. I do not know whether a large proportion of bad characters use this drug. Some of them do so, not because they have to commit crime, but because they are bad characters and are addicted to vices. 52. I am told that excessive consumers of this drug are unfit to commit serious crime, because they are constantly under its influence. The intoxication caused by the drug is said to cause nervous depression or inactivity. 53. I have not heard of a single case of suicide nor of unpremeditated crime. 54. No, as far as I know. 55. I believe this is done sometimes, but I do not remember any instances. A person unaccustomed to the use of this drug can be completely stupefied by an over-dose of this drug. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR NARAYAN GANESH DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Belgaum.
51. My answer to this question is in the nega -tive. Considering the different classes of bad characters which have come under my observation as member of the community in general, and as a magistrate in particular, in the several districts in which I have had to move in my official career during the last 27 years, I can safely assert that the habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs do not form even the smallest proportion of such bad characters, and that the moderate use of such drugs has not been found in any way con -nected with the commission of crime, whether of a general or special character. The habitual moderate consumer uses the drugs under a certain religious belief of a supposed spiritual benefit therefrom, but more for the temporary beneficial effects which a moderate use of them produces, namely, the staying-power which it gives under great exertion, the relief which it affords from fatigue and cares and anxieties, and also the indirect assistance which it is supposed to render as a food digestive. The habitual moderate consumer is, therefore, neces -sarily an innocent man, and has no object or motive to commit crimes of any description, and so does not fall under or is not included in the class of bad characters. 52 and 53. My answer to these two questions is the same as that given to the preceding question, but is qualified with this observation, that the habitual excessive use of these drugs necessarily creates noxious effects on the consumer, not only physically and mentally, but also morally, and the consumer is, in course of time, so much affected by their extreme use that it leads him sometimes to commit unpremeditated crimes in the same manner as an excessive use of liquor, opium, and other narcotic drugs, but certainly not to a crime of a violent nature. But generally the man who is addicted to excessive indulgence in these drugs becomes a victim of his own folly. No case has come to my notice or under my knowledge in which an excessive indulgence in these drugs had led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54 and 55. My answer to these questions is also severally in the negative. I have not found, in the course of my experience, gained by me as a visitor of criminal jails in different districts during the period of about 27 years as to the conduct and habits of criminals, that any such drugs are used by them to fortify themselves to commit a preme -ditated act of violence or other crime, or to induce their victims to partake of the same to get them stupefied in order to further their designs. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR K. M. THATTE, District Deputy Collector, Nasik.
43. Yes. They are quite inoffensive to their neighbour. 51. Bad characters are not necessarily habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. The moderate use of these drugs has no connection with crime in general or with any special crime. 52. As the excessive use of these drugs by bad characters is likely to expose them through their intoxicating effects, I think there is the least chance of excessive use of these drugs being made by bad characters. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs, I believe, incites to unpremeditated violence. I know of two cases in which excessive ganja smokers became insane and were in the habit of throwing stones at passers-by. 54. These drugs are never heard of being specially used by criminals with the express object of fortifying themselves to commit any act of violence or other crime. 55. Criminals in order to further their designs are known to induce their victims to partake of majum, a preparation of ganja, and thereby stupefy the latter. To secure complete stupefaction by means of this drug admixture of dhatura is said to be necessary. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar
43. Yes. 51. No instances are known to me in which ganja smoking or bhang drinking can be connected with crimes of a general or special character. Gamblers belonging to lower classes are generally ganja consumers. 52. Please see answer to question No. 51 53. No such instances have come to my knowledge. 54. No such instances are known. 55. No such instances are known. The consumers think that, without admixture of some other drug, ganja smoking does not produce such complete stupefaction as to enable criminals to succeed in their designs on their victims. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DADABHAI DEENSHAH, Parsi, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Kaira.
43. Yes they are. 51 and 52. I have not learnt that there are. I do not think that any such direct connection can be traced. 53. No, neither. 54. I know of no instances. 55. Yes, there have been a few instances in which bhang was mixed with food in some shape. I do not think complete stupefaction can be thus induced. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHASKAR RAO RAMCHANDRA HEBLIKAR, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Sholapur.
43. Moderate consumers of ganja are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Of the bad characters, most gamblers are moderate ganja-consumers. The general commission of crimes has no connection with the consumption of ganja. 52. Even in the case of excessive consumption crimes are not committed. 53. Even the excessive consumption of ganja does not incite to unpremeditated crimes, and there are no instances in which indulgence in ganja has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Criminals do not use ganja to fortify them selves to commit premeditated acts of violence or other crimes. 55. It is customary for criminals to induce their victims to partake of ganja and so stupefy them in order to further their bad designs. But com plete stupefaction cannot be induced by ganja without admixture. Dhatura is mixed with it to produce complete stupefaction. - Evidence of KHAN BHADUR RATANJI ERDALJI KANGA, Parsi, Deputy Collector and Magistrate, Dharwar.
43. These persons are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. As a rule, the criminal tribes, such as Mangs and Ramoshis, seldom use any of these drugs. I do not think the moderate use of these drugs has any connection with crime in general or with any special crime. 53. Excessive indulgence resulting in insanity incites to unpremeditated crime I do not know of any case leading to homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals in the manner specified. 55. I have not heard of any such instances on enquiries made. Complete stupefaction can, I hear, he brought about by the admixture of dhatura with the pre-paration of bhang called yakuti. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. I do not think so. Neither the moderate nor excessive use of any of the drugs has any close connection with crime in general, or with crime of any special character. 52. Vide answer to question No. 51, 53. No ; I am not aware of any case of the kind. 54. I do not think so. 55. It seems from what Rao Bahadur Rudra-gowda, District Deputy Collector, Bijapur, has written in his report, which is quoted by the Commissioner of Customs, Salt, Opium and Abkari, in his report to Government, No. 4752, dated the 11th September 1893, that criminals, in order to further their designs, sometimes induce their victims to partake of ganja mixed with madan-masta, madan-kamsi and dhatura, and so stupefy themselves. I do not think that complete stupefaction can be thus induced by this drug without admixture. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.
43. Yes; they are said to be inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. I am informed that bad characters are not as a rule moderate consumers of any of these drugs. The persons addicted to the vice generally do not commit serious crimes ; but they commit simple assaults, and when they are in want of money to purchase the drug they commit petty thefts. 52. As a rule excessive consumers do not com -mit any serious crimes. 55. See paragraph 6 of my report. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RUDRAGOWDA CHANVIRGOWDA ARTAL, Lengayet, Deputy Collector, Bijapur.
43. Yes. 51. A large proportion of bad characters, viz., bhamtyas (pick-pockets) and kaikadis and other criminal classes are found to have been habitual moderate consumers of ganja. The use of ganja nerves the consumer to commit a crime. Popularly ganja intoxication is called "Mardani Kaif" or male intoxication; that is to say, the consumer while under the influence of ganja acts like a hero. 52. Those who make the use of ganja to an excess habitually are sometimes found to have run amuck; murders are committed by such persons, but cases of these kinds are of rare occurrence. 54. Yes. 55. Yes; criminals induce their victims to partake majum (made of ganja) and stupefy themselves. Question 51.[oral evidence]—I have inquired into this matter personally and have found that the classes of bad characters I have named are smokers. Contractors and village officers in the Jath State are my informants. Question 52.-I know no case personally of running amuck. I have heard of such cases and read of them in newspapers. They are rare. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country.
43. Yes. 51. Not known. None. 52 and 53. Not known. 54. Not known. No crime appears to have been committed here within the past four years attributable to ganja-smoking. 55. Not known. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR V. H. SHIKHRE, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector, Alibagh, Kolaba District.
43, Moderate consumers are not offensive ; but they become excessive consumers by degrees, and then they are offensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. Yes, the use of ganja or bhang has no direct effect on crime; but as the consumers thereof are mostly worthless persons, their congregation together on account of their habit induces them sometimes to plan a crime. 53. The accused in many cases charged for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, or causing the death of other persons by rash or negligent acts, have many times pleaded before me that they did the act while in a state of ganja or liquor intoxication.54 and 55. No. - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale.
51. The alleged bad characters in the district are not, in any large proportion, habitual consumers of drugs. From what I have been able to learn, the moderate use of the drugs under enquiry has no connection with crime of any special character. 52. The previous answer is a reply to this question. It is said that a regular consumer of these drugs is soothed and comforted by their daily use. A first indulgence may be likely to incite to crime, but generally the individual becomes insensible. 53. Excessive indulgence in these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. I have not been able to obtain definite information on the points raised in this question. - Evidence of MR. H. INGLE, Retired Deputy Collector and Special Magistrate, First Class, Karwar.
43. I believe that moderate consumers of a hemp drug are not offensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. In Bombay it cannot be said that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate or excessive consumers of hemp drugs. So far as I know or have learnt, there is only a little connection between crime and the use of a hemp drug. Consumers say that when they are under the influence of a hemp drug they feel timid and disinclined to fight ; but I am also told that sometimes a ganja smoker acts violently. Some occasional consumers of hemp drugs are abusive when under the influence of the drug. 53. So far as I know, excessive indulgence in any of the hemp drugs does not generally incite to unpremeditated crime of any kind. In exceptional cases, however, excessive charas and ganja smoking is said to make a man violent and frenzied. I do not myself know of any case in which the use of a hemp drug has led the consumer to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I am told the drugs are not so used. 55. I do not know of any case in which a criminal, to further his design, has induced his victim to partake of a hemp drug and become stupefied. I am told that it is done but very rarely. It is said that complete stupefaction can be induced if a sufficient quantity of a hemp drug is consumed. An habitual consumer would require a larger quan-tity of the drug to completely stupefy him than would be required for a new or occasional consumer. - Evidence of MR. W. ALMON, Assistant Collector, Abkari Department, Bombay
43. Yes; as far as I know they are perfectly inoffensive. 51. I am not of opinion that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs. The classes generally known to be of bad character in this part of the country are :—Gopals, Wasudevs, Phaseparadhis, Dombaries, Katkaries, Chitrakathis, Kaikadis, Berads, Garudis, Lamans, and Bhamtes. These, as a rule, are wandering tribes, never remaining in one place, but moving from place to place, showing their tamashas and juggleries, and begging alms. I have never found any of these tribes especially addicted to the use of these drugs. Their mode of life, their frequent movements from one place to another during the dark nights and their encampments in lonely jungles removed from human habitation, naturally require them to be always very watchful and alert. They must always be active and ready for any kind of action. Any long use of these drugs, even in a mild form, would make them lazy, idle, weak, and quite unfit for such work as they are called upon to perform for the very maintenance of themselves and their families. They, therefore, scrupulously avoid, I think, indulging in such narcotics. The moderate use of these drugs has, I think, no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. There does not seem to be any intrinsic quality in the use of the drugs to create a tendency to commit crime. On the contrary, infirmity and weakness, which are the necessary consequences of a long habit of ganja consuming, make a man useless for the commission of crime. Ganja consumers may sometimes be found to be inclined to commit petty thefts when they are hard-pressed for money. But this inclination is common to the use of all other narcotics when the consumers are reduced to similar circumstances. Opium eaters and alcohol drinkers are often reported to have committed thefts when hard of cash. And this inclination must naturally be much less powerful in ganja consumers, as the narcotic required by them is comparatively very cheap. 52. There is nothing, I think, even in the excessive use to stimulate crime. Such use would, I think, by making a man still weaker, make him more incapable for commission of crime. 53. I don't think excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime. It may make the consumer peevish, liable to easy provocation, and sometimes quarrelsome, but would not stimulate him to commit unpremeditated crime of a violent nature. I know of no case in which it had led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I don't think these drugs are ever used by criminals with the special object of fortifying themselves for the commission of a premeditated act of violence or other crime. There may be some persons who are bad characters, and at the same time addicted to the use of these drugs. Such persons may sometimes indulge in such drugs before proceeding to commit an act of vio lence, but that is not for the particular purpose of fortifying themselves, but is in accordance with their usual habit of taking a dose before commen cing any work, good or bad, which requires concentrated exertions or hard labour. In old times, we read stories of a dacoit or thug smoking a chillum of ganja before proceeding to do his work of thuggy. But such instances are now very rare. 55. Yes, sometimes such cases are said to have occurred, though none has officially come before me. Itis said that sweetmeats prepared from these drugs, being most suited to avoid suspicion, are generally used. The victims selected are generally persons of tender age, and in some instances simple ignorant women. These can be easily induced to partake of the sweetmeats. Such casesif any, must no doubt be very few. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona District, Poona.
51. I do not think that any sensible proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of any of the hemp drugs; their proportion is certainly larger than that of habitual consumers in the general population of the country. I can only trace the connection of the moderate use of these drugs with crime in the following two ways:— (a ) Criminals as well as consumers of the hemp drugs are recruited from the lower ranks of society; (b) a moderate use of these drugs prevents fatigue and exhaustion, and imparts a certain spirit and boldness to the temper; it has a tendency to concentrate the mind to the one object or sentiment which is uppermost in the consumer's thoughts, and to fortify it to some degree against danger and difficulties. I do not think that the use of hemp drugs by itself prompts a person to crime; they (the hemp drugs) are cheap enough to be within the reach of the poorest classes, and unlike opium they create no desire for sweet, greasy or other expensive food. 52. The above answer holds good mutatis mutandis in respect of this question; only that a habitual excessive consumer is less disposed for the activity and excitement of crime then a moderate consumer. Excessive use is observed to have the effect of increasing fretfulness, but decreasing physical powers. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not by itself incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, unless such a crime happens to be uppermost in the consumer's thoughts, or unless he conceives an intention to commit such a crime subsequent to his taking any of these drugs, in which case the influence will tend to intensify and help on the intention so conceived. I do not know of any case in which excessive indulgence in any of these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. I have observed one or two cases of this nature in the Chopda taluka during the last six months. 55. Criminals, in order to further their designs, do, in rare cases, induce their victims to partake of majum (a sweet preparation of bhang), and so stupefy themselves. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by the hemp drug without admixture. I observed a case three years ago in the Nandgaon taluka of the Nasik district, in which a gosain administered majum to a person, and while the latter was in the drowziness of the drug, committed theft of some rupees he had in his turban. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB NARAYAN WAMAN DEOBHANKAR, Brahmin Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 2nd Class, Chopda, District Khandesh.
43. Intoxication from bhang and ganja is pleasing to consumers in their sedentary position, and they are therefore inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. Excessive indulgence in this drug causes quietude in a consumer and deprives him of the power of excitement. Therefore there is no incitement in the consumer to any violent or other crimes. I known of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. The state of the man, even when he is under complete influence of the drug, is not such as to incite him to commit suicide. 54. No. 55. The smoking of ganja does not bring on insensibility, but only slight intoxication. I am not aware of any instances of the nature indicated in the question. Insensibility is not produced without a mixture of any other substance with this drug. Dhatura seed, kuchara or other sub stance is necessary to produce perfect insensibility. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB SHESHO KRISNA MUDKAVI, Mamlatdar of Taluka Bijapur, Bijapur
51. Generally speaking, only a few bad characters are to be found amongst those who consume these drugs (excepting charas, which is not known in this district) on a moderate scale. It is to be observed that these consumers on a moderate scale have connection with gambling and ordinarily not with any other crime. 52. There are but very few such kind of consumers here, and of them a larger proportion (than that of moderate consumers) are bad characters, and take to gambling, petty thieving, petty violence and immoral acts. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs is generally believed to incite to such crime, though such a case has not crossed my experience. There was not a case of this kind in my own court or in any office I served. But I hove read High Court decisions (Indian Law Report, Vol. XIV, page 564) in which the accused was addicted to smoking for two years and thereby two murders, one of his wife and the other of his child, were committed by him. Therefore, I think that the using of hemp drugs spoils the head and induces the frenzy allud-ed to. 54. There was not a case in my court in which a criminal had fortified himself by the use of these drugs to commit a crime. But I have known instances in which people wishing to be rough or violent in religious assemblies or processions fortified themselves in the manner indicated by the question. 55. A case of the kind meant by the question has not come within my personal experience as a Karkun or as a Magistrate. Excessive use of ganja or bhang alone is known to induce complete stupefaction for a stated period; but with admixture of dhatura or such other drugs, the stupefying intoxication is more easily reached in practice. As mentioned above, the use of charas is not known in this district. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB VITHAL RAGHUNATH DANJI Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 2nd class, Vengurla, Batnagiri.
51. Bad characters generally do indulge in some kind of intoxication, but to a small extent in hemp drugs intoxication. Those who use the drugs are habitual moderate consumers, but very seldom excessive consumers. The habitual moderate consumers are not hardly turbulent. They are mostly quiet, and are not given up to any tumultuous act. An occasional excessive consumer may, as I have noted above, be very violent, and do some iniquitous acts, mostly aimless and unpremeditated. I know of no case in which ganja has ever been shown to he an incentive to crime. 52. The habitual excessive consumer is hardly ever capable of committing violent acts. Exces -sive smokers are ordinarily very quiet with a tendency to imbecility. The effect of an excessive habitual dose is to stupefy rather than to excite. Intoxication has never been a national vice in India, although within about a quarter of the century it has been resorted to to some extent. Drunkenness has been widely prevailing, but hemp drug intoxication is very rare. It is within our daily experience that much crime is committed under the influence of drunkenness. The facilities are so great that the men of lowclasses, especially the Mahurs, Mangs and Kolis, all resort to the liquor shop and drink unreservedly. As a rule they are never satisfied with moderate drinking. They will drink to excess, as they regard the pronounced feeling of intoxication as an adequate return for the money spent on the liquor. In such a state of intoxication they commit crime or other iniquitous acts which render them amenable to the law. Drunkenness as the cause of crime has been well recognized in the fact that a section has been enacted in the Bombay Act IV of 1890, making it penal for a man to be drunk and be disorderly in a public street. Moreover, all cases under section 510 of the Indian Penal Code that have come up for disposal were all with reference to intoxication due to alcoholism, never to any other kind of intoxicants. 53. Excessive indulgence, as I have said above, at times leads to unpremeditated acts of violence when reason is overpowered, and equilibrium of mind is disturbed. I do not know of any case in which it has led to homicidal frenzy. I have served in five out of six districts of the Central Division and exercised first class magisterial powers for over ten years. During this period I have not come across a single case in which crime was committed under intoxication by the use of any of the narcotic drugs. 54. I think the drugs might be used occasionally in moderate quantity by bad lives to fortify themselves to commit an iniquitous act. Criminals when they premeditate a crime may use ganja as they do alcoholic drinks to a large extent to nerve and prepare themselves for the occasion; but I have not come across a single case in which intoxication of ganja has been pleaded as an excuse for crime or other violent act. 55. I think they do so occasionally. I had a case before me in which it was alleged by the complainant that she was ravished while in a state of intoxication brought on by administering to her majum, a confection prepared from the hemp plant, Ganja-smoking is hardly used for such purposes. I do not think that a complete stupefaction may be produced by the use of an excessive dose without admixture, but I understand dhatura is more frequently resorted to for this purpose than the hemp drug. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB L. M. DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Poona City.
43. The consumers of ganja are generally troublesome, not only to their neighbours but to their friends and family members also. 51. In my opinion if hundred bad characters are collected together, you will find seventy-five out of them to be habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. There is no connection between the moderate use of these drugs and the grave crimes coming under the Indian Penal Code; but crimes of giving abuses and assaults, etc., are, in my opinion, committed by ganja consumers when under its influence. 53 and 54. No such case has come before me. 55. I do not know of any such case. - E vidence of RAO SAHIB KRISHNAJI BALLAL DEVAL, Chitpavan, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Chiplon.
51. The consumers of ganja are mostly persons who have no position in life, but they do not necessarily ha ppen to be bad characters as such. Bad characters seldom use bhang, ghota or charas. The moderate use of any of these drugs has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. Excessive use of ganja leads to irritation on account of trifling matters and sometimes to quarrels resulting in breach of public peace. It has no connection with any other crime. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja incites to unpremeditated breach of public peace as above stated. , I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54 and 55. No. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB RAMCHANDRA NARAYAN JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and First Class Magistrate, on special duty, Satara.
43. Yes; moderate ganja smokers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Most of the persons of bad character are habitual moderate smokers of ganja. However, all ganja smokers are not necessarily persons of bad character. The moderate use of this drug has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character, except that this drug is often used by the criminals to fortify themselves to commit crimes especially perpetrated in day times. 52. The same as above, except that in fortifying themselves to commit crimes, criminals never resort to excessive use of ganja. 53. Not necessarily. I am not aware of any case in which the excessive indulgence in ganja smoking has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes; they are so used sometimes. 55. Yes; occasionally. Complete stupefaction can be induced by smoking ganja without admixture. - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.
43. The moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours, because when the drug is taken, it stupefies the user of it for two or three hours at least; and while under its influence he is un -able to do any harm to his neighbours. 51. Habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs are never as a rule men of bad character. The use of these drugs has no tendency to-wards the committal of crime, and therefore it has no connection with crime. 52. As stated in the above question, the moderate use of any of these drugs has no connection with crime; and when there is none by moderate use, there is naturally an entire absence in the case of excessive use, the use resulting, as elsewhere stated, of making the man harmless and useless for any but sedentary work. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime at all. I have not seen or heard any instance in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime in any way, the effects being, as stated elsewhere, to make a man useless for any active work. 55. Entire stupefaction cannot be effected by the simple use of these drugs. It must be mixed with (dhatura; and a criminal generally, when he attempts any thing, makes sure of his victim, so he always makes it a point to administer the drug with dhatura. I have not heard of a case in which by simple use complete stupefaction has ensued. - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari In spector, Ahmednagar.
43. Moderate consumers of ganja and bhang are inoffensive to their neighbours. 50 to 53. I cannot answer these questions. 54. Ganja or bhang is not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector , Satara.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. Undoubtedly dissipated consumers of hemp drugs associate with bad characters and may be thus led to crime ; but there is nothing to show that their vice prompts criminality. 53 and 54. No knowledge. 55. There are instances of people having been robbed after they had been designedly stupefied with ganja. - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana P rabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay.
[Oral evidence]. Question 51.—I do not think that a large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of the drugs. The bad characters in the towns are for the most part given to drink, and commit petty offences to satisfy their propensity. This is not the case in the country. I have no reason to suppose that the hemp drugs are largely consumed by the bad characters of the towns. The class who consume the drugs are chiefly the mendicants, and the drugs are not more consumed by the bad characters than by other people. I think the hemp drugs used in moderation have no connection with crime in general or crime of any particular class. Question 52.—Nor do I think that excessive use of the drugs is connected with crime in general. But I have heard of rare instances of a man under the influence of bhang "running amuck." Only one instance has come under my personal observation. That was in 1884. The man when caught said bhang had been given to him; but we had no means of testing the statement, as he had been concealed in the jungle for some days. A private in the 23rd Regiment Native Infantry was suspected of theft, and his house was put under attachment and a police constable posted over it. The sepoy saw this, and, instead of returning home, went to a friend's house in the lines. He said that bhang was given to him there in sherbet by a person who had ill-feeling against him. He then got a rifle and some rounds of ammunition from a comrade's house and wounded the police constable who was posted at his house. He then went to the open country, and as he passed the hospital he fired two rounds at two doolie-bearers who were asleep outside. Two days afterwards he was arrested in the country concealed in a field. His rifle was then loaded and he attempted resistance ; but the rifle was at half-cock, which he did not notice in his excitement. Three or four of us then overpowered him. He gave the name of the person who had given him the sherbet when he was under trial in the Sessions Court. The Judge gave him one day's imprisonment, apparently believing the story he told; but on appeal to Government the man was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment. None of the wounded persons died. I don't think the man said anything about the bhang having been given to him till he got into the Sessions Court. I do not think the bhang caused him to commit the crime. I think it was established that the man had taken bhang ; and if he did take it, the crime was committed within half an hour afterwards. I think the Sessions Judge recorded a finding on the point of the man having been drugged. I did not notice the state of the prisoner's eyes when he was arrested. I don't recollect the man's name. The case occurred at Ahmedabad in 1884. I think the man broke out under the initiation of the insult of having his house attached, and had taken no bhang at all. Question 54.[oral evidence]—I have not heard of criminals fortifying themselves with the hemp drugs in order to commit crime. Question 55.—I know of no case of a person having been drugged with hemp in order to commit a crime upon him. I was on special duty for suppression of dacoity in Kathiawar from 1870 to 1873, in 1875, 1876, and from 1886 to 1890, and no case of the kind came under my notice. The drugs have never attracted attention in connection with the discipline of the police force. I receive returns of all punishments inflicted on members of the police force, including dismissals. I hear many appeals against all kinds of punishments. The particulars of the offence for which the man is punished are reported for each case in the monthly statement. Drunkenness would be mentioned ; and if an offence arose out of intemperance of any kind, that intemperance would almost certainly be entered. I have often seen drunkenness noted, but never intoxication from hemp drugs. When a man is enlisted, he is examined medically by the Civil Surgeon, and enquiry is made regarding his character by the Superintendent of Police through his Inspector, or by reference to other districts. I have never received a report that a recruit was a ganja smoker. I think it is probable that a District Superintendent of Police would reject a ganja smoker ; and I should, in my ignorance of the effects of the drug, prefer to avoid enlisting such a man. I should not reject a tobacco smoker. I was inclined to think ganja was more harmful than I am now led to believe after reading the proceedings of the Commission. It is the popular idea that ganja is very harmful. I do not think the use of the drug is common in the police force. I have never learnt that a member of the force was a ganja smoker. I have never had any experience as a Superintendent of a jail. The general bad opinon attaches to bhang also in an equal degree—perhaps even more to bhang than to ganja. I can't say from whom I have derived this idea. Probably the cases of "running amuck" of which I have heard have given me the idea. There are about 16,000 or 17,000 men serving under me. I believe bhang consists of the buds of the ganja with the exudation attaching to them. I had never seen the drug until I sent for some quite recently. Copy of Judgment appended to COLONEL HUMFREY'S evidence. The prisoner in this case, according to his own statement, arranged with another sepoy at 8-30 P.M. to meet him at about 10 P. M. with a view to shoot a police constable who had been placed on guard over the prisoner's hut. He was taken to the quarter-guard by order of the Subadar, and it was on his way thither that he made this assignation with Bhima, who was conducting him. At about 11 P.M. he got away from the quarterguard under a false pretext and met Bhima as they had previously arranged. Then he went into the hut of another sepoy who was absent, or whom he thought to be absent, and stole from it a rifle and cartridges. He loaded the rifle and fired at the policeman, and he wounded him severely on the hand. The prisoner then ran away. As he was retiring, the rifle was discharged a second time. This implies that it had been reloaded, even if we accept the prisoner's statement that it went off accidentally. To this account the prisoner adds that he was instigated by Bhima after the latter had given him some sherbet, from the effects of which he says he felt intoxicated. He thought he had been drugged. But the sherbet was drunk even before he was taken to the Subadar's. The alleged intoxication did not prevent his making the appointment with Bhima as he was taken from the Subadar's to the quarter-guard. Nor did it prevent his bearing the appointment in mind and contriving by a false pretext to keep it. It is impossible therefore to suppose, whether a drug had been administered to him or not, that he was so affected by it as to prevent his knowing what he was about or the ordinary consequences of his acts. He must, especially as a soldier, have known that to fire a bullet at the policeman was an act so imminently dan-gerous that, if it took effect, it would in all pro bability immediately or mediately cause death. Fortunately it did not cause death, but it did cause hurt. Had death been caused, the prisoner would undoubtedly have been punishable for mur-der. As it is, he is, for the attempt carried so nearly to completion, subject to punishment under the second part of paragraph I of section 301 of the Indian Penal Code. The crime he has committed is one of the gravest character, since military lawlessness is the most serious of dangers to society. We must therefore sentence the prisoner to be transported for seven (7) years, which sentence will be concurrent with that which he is already undergoing under the sentence of a Court Martial. - Evidence of LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J.HUMFREY, Inspector-General of Police, Poona.
[Oral evidence]. Question 51.—The proportion of ganja consumers among bad characters is not, I think, greater than among the population generally. I refer to the moderate consumers of the drug. The question has not been made the subject of careful enquiry. I do not think the moderate use of the drugs has any connection with crime of any sort. I do not think that the excessive consumers of the drugs form a larger po rtion among bad characters than among the general population. My experience of excessive use is confined to criminal lunatics. I cannot recall any case in which the excessive use of the drug has led to unpremeditated crime. I do, however, remember a case of a man committing murder in a state of madness in the Dharwar district about 1885. I think the man is still in the asylum. I cannot recall any other case. I am not aware that criminals use the drugs to fortify themselves to commit crime. I cannot call to my mind any case in which the drugs have been so used. I have no recollection of any case in which these drugs were used to stupefy victims. There are about 600 men in the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Force. The drugs have never come to notice in connection with any offences or breaches of discipline in the force. There may have been such cases, but I cannot recall any. There have been many cases of men having been drunk from liquor on duty, and been punished on that ac count. In enlisting a man enquiries are made, as full as possible, regarding his history and character. Special enquiry would not be made re garding the existence of the ganja habit. I think I should refuse to take a man whom I learnt to be an habitual smoker of ganja. A man is generally enlisted when he is young and such a habit acquired early in life would very likely increase. I was in charge of a district in 1889. A lunatic who is violent and dangerous is confined by the police and sent up to the Magistrate with a report. The report is not on a printed form. The facts which are considered important are whether the man is violent or dangerous to others or himself, whether he is unable to take care of himself and has no one to look after him. We do not generally enquire into the causes of insanity. The police are not required to make enquiry on that point, and the report is not bound to mention it; but as a matter of fact, the cause is generally discovered, though not by formal en quiry. If discovered, the fact would be mention ed. The relations and friends, if found, would probably give the information to the Chief Constable who was making the enquiry about the insane's residence and friends. The Chief Constable would generally make the enquiry at a taluka; the Head Constable in a petha. Any police officer might make the enquiry, but the matter would be conducted by the Chief Constable. Any police officer might be deputed to make the en quiry, but the Chief Constable might and would probably verify it. The Chief Constable would probably call in the relatives and make general enquiries which would cover the point of cause of insanity. There is not, as far as I know, any printed form or instructions to guide the enquiring officer, nor does he hold formal enquiries. He simply hears what the people say. I think a Chief Constable or other police officer of ordinary intelligence would accept the cause as ganja smoking if it were alleged. I have never heard, so far as I remember, of a Magistrate sending back the reports in a case of lunacy for further enquiry regarding the lunatic's history or other matters. The report is simply an explanation of the police action in the matter. I do not know if the report is used for the purpose of filling up a printed form. I have never heard of ganja as being the cause of cases of intoxication on the Railway. I have never had to deal with smuggling of the hemp drugs in the Railway. The ganja shops are, with the liquor shops, closed during the Moharram, but that is the only occasion on which the precaution is taken. - Evidence of MR. H. SCANNELL, Superintendent, Great Indian Peninsula Railway Police, Poona.
[Oral evidence] - Question 51, etc.—I do not think that any large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate or excessive consumers of hemp drugs. The only connection of the drugs with crime is the crime of violence—runing amuck—attributed to the exces sive use. I have heard of such a case, but never seen one. I had a case of the kind once, but could not verify the alleged connection with hemp drugs. I have therefore no adequate ground for asserting any such connection between hemp drugs and this class of crime. There is no other connection between the drugs and crime that I am aware of. Nor do I know of any case in which the hemp drugs have been administered to faci-litate crime, though I have often known of dhatura being used — between forty and fifty cases in the last two years, Several convictions have been obtained in such cases against two gangs which we have been after for years. I made special inquiries at the time of the recent Bombay riots as to whether there was any increase in the use of hemp, and I am satisfied that it was not so. We shut up liquor and drug shops for the Muharram ; because excited people sometimes fly to liquor and intoxicants, and it is better they should not have them. I have seen casual disturbances near liquor shops, but never near ganja shops. - Evidence of MR. R. W. E. H. VINCENT, C. I. E., Officiating Commissioner of Police, Bombay.
43. Yes. 51. It is generally found that bad characters are either habitual or moderate consumers of bhang and ganja. Taken, as bad characters are, from the lower orders who are the most likely to indulge in these drugs, this is only natural. The moderate use of the drugs leads to abusive and quarrelsome conduct. 52. Indulgence in these drugs (ganja and bhang) would, in the case of a novice make him too intoxicated to commit crime. A moderate but habitual consumer would, if he were to indulge to excess, probably rave and become excited, and would be ready to commit any crime of violence that first came into his head. If he had a particular grudge against any one, it would quicken his impulse and determination to commit some act of violence against that person. The excessive use of the drugs to an habitual excessive consumer would in the end cause idiotcy and insanity. 53. I do know of a case in which a sepoy of a Biluch regiment, when under the influence of ganja or bhang—I forget which it was—ran amuck and shot at anyone he came across, killing and wounding various persons. It is believed that in cases of this sort, sepoys generally prime themselves with ganja or bhang before proceeding to the execution of some project they have probably been brooding over. Jealousy regarding women is no doubt the most usual and primary reason for such outbursts, but ganja and bhang play their part in fortifying to the point of committing crime, and generally, if not always, it ends in an act of violence. 54. Yes, very often. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced by either ganja or bhang without admixture. Criminals very often stupefy their victims in order to further their designs on them. Prostitutes are often robbed in this way. - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar.
43. Yes. 51 and 52. No. 53. I can recall no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I have never heard of such use being made of it by criminals. 55. Such instances are not known in this district. - Evidence of MR. J. E. DOWN, Districts Superintendent of Police, Satara.
43. Yes. 51. (a) No. (b) No connection whatever. 53. It is said to. No. I know of no case. - Evidence of MAJOR T. R. M. MACPHERSON, District Superintendent of Police, Poona.
43. Yes, so far as I have observed. 51. Not so far as I am aware of, and I don't think that there is any general connection between the habitual moderate users of these drugs and any particular class of criminals. 52. Neither do I think that even the excessive use of any of these drugs has any connection with any general or special class of crime. 53. Excessive indulgence does, I consider, in cite to unpremeditated violence, though not to crime. Habitual ganja smokers are, when under the influence of the drug, inclined to be quarrel some, and, if interfered with, to commit acts of violence. 54. So far as my experience goes, these drugs are not used by criminals preparatory to commit ting premediated crime, for increased cheerfulness and good humour, followed by drowsiness, is the effect generally produced. 55. I do not think that the preparations of hemp are so used, though complete stupefaction can be induced if they are partaken of in large quantities by persons unaccustomed to them. - Evidence of MR. F. T. V. AUSTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Surat.
43. I think so. 51 and 52. Yes. The plans of crimes are generally concerted either with the use of ganja, liquor or opium, according to the districts in which the use of these articles preponderates. They never meet to plan an offence without some such things being used at the time. 53. Yes, I think. No. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, in some cases. Complete stupefaction can be induced. - Evidence of Mr. DHANJISHA DADABHOY, Parsi, District Superintendent of Police, Thana
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are inoffensive to their neighbours, but moderate smokers of the drug, whether ganja or charas, are more or less offensive. They are usually irritable, and when under the influence of the drug are very loquacious, and are not over-choice in their language. The house of a consumer is usually a ren -dezvous for consumers of the drug, who are his only associates. 51. Bad characters in these parts do not use the drug. I have been nearly four years in Guzerat, and to the best of my recollection, I have never seen a consumer of the drug concerned in any criminal case. In Bombay people are often found in the streets incapable of taking care of themselves when under the influence of these drugs, but they do not belong to the class of habitual criminals. 52. I have never seen an habitual criminal who was an excessive consumer of these drugs in any form. 53. As far as I am aware, the excessive use of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime. I have seen a few cases in Bombay in which people have been very violent when under the influence of these drugs. I never made it my business to ascertain whether they were habitual excessive consumers or moderate consumers, but judging from the effects invariably produced by the habitual excessive and moderate use of these drugs, I am inclined to think that they were occasional consumers. I am not aware of any case in which the use of any of these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. It often happens that a novice becomes violent when he first uses the drug, but it eventually overpowers him. 54. I know of no case in which criminals have fortified themselves by the use of these drugs to commit premeditated acts of violence or other crimes. It is quite possible that they may be used for such a purpose, as habitual moderate consumers whom I have examined say that they can always get through their work with more energy when they have taken their usual quantity than without it. They also say that it gives them courage in dangerous undertakings, from which I infer that if an act of violence were premeditated, these drugs would act as an incentive to its commission. 55. I know of no case in which criminals have administered these drugs to their victims. Dhatura, and not these drugs, is usually used by criminals to stupefy their victims. In the case of occasional moderate consumers and non-consumers complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs, which lasts for many hours. - Evidence of MR. T. G. FOARD, Superintendent of Police, Cambay.
43. Yes. 51. Ganja smokers and bhang drinkers are not supposed to be connected with crimes in general or with crimes of any special character. 52. I do not think that excessive use of any of these drugs has any connection with general or special class of crime. However, in one case to my knowledge it so occurred that in November 1885 in Broach certain Talavias having gathered together one morning, and after smoking ganja, committed a riot in that town, in which the Superintendent of Police, Mr. Prescott, was killed. Further particulars, if required, may be obtained from Broach. 53. The above is the only case I know of. 54. Generally it is not so, but the above case came to my notice which I have mentioned already. 55. I do not think that the different preparations of hemp are so used, but ganja, I should say, might induce such persons to commit crimes if partaken in a large quantity by persons unaccustomed to its use. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NANABHOY COWASJI, Parsi, City Police Inspector, Surat
51. My experience, based on over twelve years' service in the Bombay City and District Police, negatives the first portion of this question. The moderate use of the drugs has no material effect on crime in general or on crime of any special character. 52. The excessive use of any of the drugs is not indulged in by bad characters to any calculable extent. Crime in general is not influenced by the small percentage of the criminal class who go in for excessive indulgence. Isolated cases of violent crime do sometimes occur, perpetrated by persons under an excessive influence of bhang unintentionally brought about. These instances are, however, rare. 53. Occasional excessive indulgence in bhang has a tendency in non-habitual consumers to crimes of unpremeditated violence, much in the same way as the effect of alcohol on certain temperaments. I know of no case in which an excessive indulgence in this drug has led to homicidal frenzy. 54. Not as a rule, except in cases of habitual consumers, who indulge in it to steady their nerves, in the same way as an ordinary consumer of alcohol would resort to his peg before entering upon an undertaking in which he desires to have his wits about him. 55. Some of the class of criminals who drug people for the commission of crime use ganja as a means of bringing about stupor to facilitate the execution of their designs. Travellers on the road or putting up at dharmsalas are generally the victims in these cases. The drug is administered under the disguise of a friendly smoke of tobacco, and is seldom administered pure, in order to avoid suspicion and to render the stupor more intense, as complete stupefaction cannot be induced by a moderate effect of the pure drug such as would result from an ordinary smoke. I know of a case in which a man who was an habitual ganja smoker was rendered completely insensible by being given pounded dhatura seeds mixed with ganja to smoke. He was so completely stupefied that one of his legs was broken by being struck with a heavy stone without his being aware of it. Comple stupefaction can be induced by this drug alone without admixture if administered in suffi -ciently large quantities. - - Evidence of MR. J. A. GUIDER, Inspector of Police, Munmad.
43. Yes, quite. 51. No, I believe the moderate use of the drugs has no connection with crime at all. This is best known by the fact that out of the total number of persons annually convicted and sentenced there are few such consumers—perhaps from three to five in a jail, where the number annually is 1,700, 52. My reply to this is the same as above. Excessive use may lead to unpremeditated violent crime in a few cases. I have access to all jails in my official capacity, and reply to this by experi-ence. 53. Rarely. Ganja may do so, but not bhang. 54. No, but alcohol is. 55. Yes, but dhatura is often mixed. Yes in large doses, complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture. Question 51.— I am speaking from my knowledge of the population of the Ahmedabad jail. Comparing the proportion given in my answer 20, I hold the opinion that the proportion of hemp drug consumers in the jail is much lower than it is outside the jail walls, and I realize that this shows that there are very few criminals who use the hemp drugs. I have seen most of the prisoners in almost all the jails in the presidency, and in the course of my duty, as connected with the detective branch of the police, had occasion to question and examine them closely on various points. I have paid special attention to this point, and am confident of the soundness of my opinion. My statement covers convicts admitted into the jail for all offences. In regard to alcohol also, I maintain that the proportion of criminals in jail who are consumers is smaller than that among the outside population ; but it is larger than in the case of the hemp drugs. In regard to opium the proportion is about the same as for alcohol. base my opinion on my general experience and the statements of the prisoners themselves. The jail records give no information on the fact whether the convicts are consumers of the hemp drugs. I have not questioned each of the 1,700 prisoners on the point. I have sought informa tion from authorities and from prisoners regard ing their fellow-prisoners. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB PRANSHANKAR, Brahmin, Inspector of Police, Detective Branch, Bombay.
43. Apparently so. 51. Those I have known as ganja smokers have generally been dissipated and disreputable-looking men. 53. Apparently. 54. Cases of the drug being used by criminals for this purpose are quoted in books of Indian Medical Jurisprudence. - Evidence of SURGEON-COLONEL D. E. HUGHES, Principal Medical Officer, Bombay, Deesa and Aden Districts, Bombay.
Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. Moderate use of the drug does not lead a person to commit crime. Excessive use of the drug leads to temporary homicidal frenzy. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB BHICAJEE AMROOT CHOBHE, Brahmin, Assistant Surgeon, Poona City.
The moderate consumers are generally inoffensive to their neighbours. Bad livers do use the drug, but its moderate use is not likely to lead to crime. To my knowledge the use of the drug has not produced, in any case, homicidal frenzy. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHRAM RAMJI GHOLLAY, Retired Honorary Assistant Surgeon, and Medical Practitioner, Poona City.
43. Yes, quite inoffensive. 51. A certain number of bad characters are in this province habitual consumers of these drugs, but the proportion can't be said to be large when compared with alcoholic stimulants. The moderate use of these drugs cannot be said to have any connection with crime of any sort. 52. The same answer applies to the first part of the question. The excessive habitual use deranges the intellectual faculties, but I don't think that the moral faculties are specially affected so as to excite to crime. 53. As for the first part of the question, I don't think so, but with regard to the second part, I have read a case in Chever's Medical Jurisprudence for India in which a man was convicted of having murdered another by strangling him while in a state of intoxication from the effects of bhang. 54. Rarely. 55. Yes, they generally administer majum or some other hemp confectionery for that purpose. Complete stupefaction can be induced by a large dose of the drug without admixture. - Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, * Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City.
43. I believe moderate consumers of bhang are generally inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. I believe the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs leads to unpremeditated crime, I have heard of cases, but I have not come across any. 54. I have heard of their being used for this purpose, such as running amuck, but I have not seen any case. 55. I have not come across any cases. Dr. Lyon, late Professor of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology in the Grant Medical College and Government Chemical Analyser to the Government of Bombay, says : " In India Cannabis appears to be seldom, if ever, used for homicidal purposes." Dr. Norman Chevers, however, mentions a case which occurred in Ahmednagar in which a woman having first drugged with majum a child aged 7 afterwards murdered her for ornaments. - Evidence of BHALCHANDRA KRISHNA BHATAVADEKAR, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bombay.
43. They are inoffensive, inasmuch as they are not violent. 51. There is a small proportion of bad characters who use ganja. The use of ganja has some connection with crime in general. 53. After excessive use of bhang, I have seen one case. 55. If bhang is taken in large quantity, complete stupefaction ensues, but as a rule admixture is necessary. - Evidence of ISMAIL JAN MOHOMED, Khoja, Physician, Bombay
43. The moderate consumers of ganja and bhang are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. I know the large proportion of bad characters use these drugs more or less, but I do not think that there is any connection with crime in general, or with crime of any special character. 53. 1 do not know of any case where a criminal has committed unpremeditated crime after the use of ganja or bhang. 54. There is no such property in ganja and bhang as to shake the timidity and to nerve the person to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. I do not know of any case in which criminals, in order to further their designs, have induced their victims to partake of any of these drugs and so stupefy them. Complete stupefaction is not produced by these drugs without admixture - Evidence of UTTAMRAM JEEWANRAM, ITCHAPOORIA, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat.
43. The moderate consumers are not offensive to their neighbours, but when taken in excess, they become offensive. 53. The excessive indulgence in these drugs does incite the consumer to commit unpremeditated crime, and at times leads to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I know the criminals have used these drugs to fortify themselves to commit premeditated acts of violence. 55. The criminals do, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of these drugs and so stupefy them, and then rob them of their valuable things, and walk away leaving the victim on the spot. Complete stupefaction is brought on by these drugs without any admixture in the case of men who are not used to these drugs. - Evidence of KESHOWRAM HARIDAT, Chcepooria, Audesh Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya) , Render, Surat and Bombay.
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are not offensive to their neighbours. 55. I have heard of a few cases in which cri¬minals have used these drugs to stupefy their victims to further their designs ; but I am not sure that there was not an admixture of other drugs in these cases. Stupefaction can be induced by an excess use of these drugs. - Evidence of MR. PURBHURAM JEEWANRAM, Nagar Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay.
43. Moderate ganja and charas consumers are sometimes offensive to their neighbours by being noisy and abusive. Bhang drinkers are not offensive to their neighbours. 51 and 52. No large proportions of bad characters in Bombay are habitual moderate or habitual excessive consumers of hemp drugs. 53. I do not know myself of any cases in which unpremeditated crimes violent or otherwise have been caused by the excessive indulgence in hemp drugs. I have known of a few cases of quarrelling, where the persons abused and struck each other with their hands in the ganja-smoking shops. I have never heard or known of quarrels in the bhang shops. 54. I do not know of any cases in which criminals have made use of hemp drugs to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. I do not know of any cases in which criminals have stupefied their victims with hemp drugs with a view to further their design in the commission of a crime. I do not know if complete stupefaction can be induced by any hemp drug without admixture with some other drug. - Evidence Of VITHALDAS PRANJIWANDASS, Bhunksali Landlord and Trader, late Intoxicating Drugs Farmer, Bombay.
43. Yes ; they are inoffensive to their neighbours ; they never get violent or troublesome. 51. No; the habitual moderate consumers are not bad characters. Moderate consumers have no relation in general nor with any specific crime. 52. Excessive use of the ganja smoke makes the smoker violent, but he returns to perfect senses, and would not be tempted to commit a great crime. He would only harass his own people whom he thinks would not do him any harm or who are under his control. He fears the law even then. 53. No ; excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. No case have I come across in which it has led to homicidal frenzy. 54. No ; the criminals do not use the drug to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime as those who indulge in alcohol do. 55. No; the criminals do not use the drug to stupefy their victims. It does not produce complete stupefaction without admixture. - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA. KOTIIAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District
43. The sadhus, etc., use these drugs in order to be able to bear with cheerfulness the toils and programme of their order of life ; consequently they are necessarily inoffensive to the public at large, and the moderate consumers of these drugs, taken from the common people are also inoffensive to their neighbours. The moderate use of these drugs never tends to make the consumer troublesome and offensive to his neighbourhood. 51. A good percentage of bad characters may be habitual consumers of ganja, moderate or excessive; but the use of this is not the cause of their committing crimes. Neither are all ganja and charas consumers criminal classes or bad characters, nor do all criminal classes or bad characters use them necessarily. Crime has no connection with the use of these drugs. 55. Sometimes I have heard of cases in which the smoking of ganja, or the drinking of bhang, or the eating of the majum of bhang, has been the preliminary, whereafter the victims of it were made to do things which in their consciousness they would never have done, e.g., of signing a document detrimental to the signatory's interests, or the parting with of an ornament without knowing its consequences. - Evidence of DESAIBHAI KALIDAS, Brahmin (Khedaval), Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor, Kaira.
43. Almost all of them are inoffensive. 51. Not in the majority of cases. The moderate use has nothing to do with any crimes. It in the form of " majum " is said to be used by thieves in drugging persons to facilitate theft ; but it is very generally mixed with dhatura. 53. No. 54. I am not aware of any such cases. 55. Yes, to facilitate theft and rape. Complete stupefaction can be induced without admixtures if administered to those who are never in the habit of using ganja. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. There is no large proportion of bad characters of habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. The moderate use has no connection with crimes in general or with crime of any special character. 52. There is no benefit from using any of these drugs excessively. An immoderate consumer is always in the state of intoxication. That is a bar to his occupation and loss to his profit. The consumers spend large sums of money in buying these drugs, and consequently come to want. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. The man who uses the drugs sits silent or sleeps, and I don't know any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or otherwise, because they do not create strength in them if used. 55. Criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs, and so stupefy them. Complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs without, admixture of any other substance in the case of those who are not habituated to smoke, eat or drink ganja or bhang. - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh.
43. So far as I have seen, consumers of ganja even when they are immoderate are as a rule inoffensive to their neighbours. They may talk much and talk loudly, and may be of irritable temperament, but they are never dangerous neighbours, except when they have become insane. 51 and 52. There is not the least connection between the moderate and immoderate use of any of the narcotic drugs of hemp and the perpetration of crime. 53 and 54. No indulgence in the use of the drug ever incites the consumer to commit unpremeditated crime. I do not know any case which led to homicidal frenzy. Criminals, however, very naturally fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act. Even a tobacco-smoker or a snuff-user takes a pinch if he wants to refresh himself for an action. There is therefore nothing extraordinary if ganja is used by criminals who are about to proceed with their criminal act. It is generally said ganja does not make a man desperate and rash as liquor does. The consumers of ganja are generally nervous when they are under its influence. 55. Ganja sweetmeat mixed with dhatura is supposed to bring about complete stupefaction. This is practised very rarely. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHWANATH KESHAWA JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Sowkar, Karajgi in Dharwar District
43. The moderate consumer of bhang is not offensive to his neighbours. 51. So far as I know, no large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of bhang. The consumption of bhang has no connection with crime so far as I know. 52. Same reply as to question No. 51. 53. The excessive consumption of bhang does not incite to unpremeditated crime of any kind. I do not know of any case in which the drinking of bhang has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. It is not the case that bhang is drunk by criminals to fortify themselves to commit crime of any kind. 55. I have heard of no case in which criminals, in order to further their designs, have induced their victims to drink bhang and so stupefy them. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by drinking bhang. - Evidence* of NAWALCHAND HEERACHAND, Jeweller, Bombay.
43. Moderate or even excessive consumers of any of these drugs are harmless and inoffensive to their neighbours. They are never aggressive. 51. There are not many bad characters I know of who are habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs the use of which discourages crimes. 52. Excessive use of any of these drugs will make the consumers afraid of doing any such thing. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. I do not know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. From what I know, these drugs have the advantage of discouraging any act of violence or crime. There is a Sindhi proverb that a bhangi (bhang drinker) may boast of high deeds, but when he is once drunk he is powerless to do anything. The defeat of the Sindhis at the battle of Miani near Hyderabad is always attributed to the effects of bhang. 55. Criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs. Complete stupefaction is produced with the admixture of dhatura. - Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.
43. They become somewhat hot-tempered and quarrelsome. " Bhangat" and " ganjekas " are terms used as other words for quarrelsome. But these generally apply to those who indulge excessively in bhang or ganja. 51. The term "bad character" seems rather ambiguous. A. moderate consumer of hemp in any form becomes irritable and raises quarrel at the slightest cause. Quarrelsomeness may lead to causing injury to others. Besides this I am not aware of any other crime which a moderate consumer of hemp is prone to commit. 52. The above character is more marked if the consumer does not become insane. 53. A Lengayet trader of this place, who was much addicted to smoking ganja, killed his own brother in sleep at night. He denied the charge in his trial, but was ultimately hanged. Some other persons using ganja, who pass for respectable men, are suspected of the same crime for the sake of money and other causes. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VENKAT RANGO KATTI, Pensioner, Dharwar
43. The moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours, because they do not lose their temper. 51. About half the bad characters are habitual moderate smokers of ganja. They smoke all round the year, and drink it in the form of ghota in the hot season only in addition to smoking. The moderate consumers do not commit any crime or crimes of any special character. The practice of drinking ghota in winter brings on pain in the body. 52. About one-fourth of the bad characters are habitually excessive smokers of ganja all round the year. They drink it as ghota in addition to smoking in hot season. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise. I do not know any case in which it has led to commission of homicide. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit any premeditated act of violence or otherwise. 55. Criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims not accustomed to use the drugs to partake of any food or confection prepared by their mixtures and make them unconscious. Complete stupefaction by administering this preparation is obtained to gain their object. -Without the admixture complete stupefaction cannot be caused. - Evidence of GURAPPA RACHAPPA, Lengayet, Office of Shetti (Revenue and Police), Dharwar.
43. The moderate consumers of ganja and bhang are quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. No large proportion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of hemp drugs. There is, so far as I know, no connection between the moderate use of a hemp drug and crime. 52. There is no large proportion of bad characters habitual excessive consumers of hemp drugs. I do not know that there is any connection between the excessive use of hemp drugs and crime. 53. Excessive indulgence in hemp drugs does not, so far as I know, incite to unpremeditated crime of any kind. On the contrary, the bhang drinker is rather timid under the influence of the drug, and the same may be said of the ganja smoker to a lesser degree. I know of no instance in which the excessive indulgence in hemp drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I know of no instance in which criminals have fortified themselves by using hemp drugs to commit a premeditated act of violence or crime. 55. I know of no instance in which criminals to further their designs have induced their victims to partake of a hemp drug with the object of stupefying them. I do not think complete stupefaction could be induced by the use of a hemp drug alone. - Evidence of LALDAS LAXMONJI, Kshatriya, Solicitor's Clerk, Bombay.
53 (51 to 55). I have already mentioned the case of a servant, a North-West Province Brahmin. He attacked a man with a sword for not procuring him a coolie, and was sent to jail for several years. He may have had brain disease apart from ganja, as he was always rather " queer," even before he took to it, but always assumed that ganja had a good deal to do with his mental breakdowns. After coming out of jail, there seemed no change in his mental condition, and he would attack individuals who were quietly talking or even passing on the road, under the delusion that they were mocking him. It has always been said, e. g., in the account of Clive's defence of Arcot, that Muhammadans take bhang in order to rouse their courage, but thoroughly well-informed Sindhis tell me that this is a myth altogether. Habitual, and especially immoderate use of bhang and ganja lead, on the contrary, to grave nervous depression and symptoms of fear, like those produced by delirium tremens. " Charas " is the only hemp preparation that does not actually damp a man's courage. If a criminal wishes for Dutch courage, in Sind he takes liquor. Cases of dhatura-poisoning, both by mixture in hukas and in food occur, but I cannot remember a case in which adulterated or even pure ganja was used to procure somnolence on the part of the victims. - Evidence of MR. H. E. M. JAMES, Commissioner in Sind.
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are perfectly inoffensive in every way. 51. Moderate consumption is not connected with crime in any way. 52. Nor do I think that excessive consumption is, because the most characteristic feature in the effect produced by the drinking of bhang to excess is extreme timidity, which would rather prevent the consumer from committing any crime. Thus a man under the influence of bhang will be terror stricken if he even sees a policeman, and fancy that he has come to arrest him or beat him ; and again he will be frightened if he sees the bania to whom he owes money, and will readily sign any foolish document which the latter asks him to. These examples were given to me by the bhangi landholder above referred to, but they illustrate very well the undoubted effect of an excessive use of hemp, and which as a rule makes a man quiet, timid and inert. 53. It is said, however, to lead sometimes to temporary passion, and in the case of a sepoy who some years ago ran amuck at Hyderabad it was attributed to an excessive consumption of bhang. The evidence on this point is, however, discrepant, many people saying that bhang never leads to violence. 54. I have never heard of bhang being used to fortify criminals in order to enable them to commit crime. 55. A species of sweetmeat called " majun " is prepared in Sind from bhang by boiling it with ghi and water, the scum being carefully removed during the boiling. Sugar is then added and spices, musli, shokakal, and galib khalu, of which I do not know the botanical names, bahman (Centaurea behen), dalchini (cinnamon), wodaf (aniseed), kaisar (saffron), phota (cardamoms ), jafar (nutmeg), jauntri (mace), and utangar (Acanthodium hirtune) . This sweetmeat is very popular, and realizes about double the price of bhang, It is used in Sind by criminals in order to further their designs, as it is pleasant to the taste and produces stupefaction. I myself have had several cases before me as a Magistrate in which majun had been so used. Dhatura is sometimes mixed with bhang, sugar, and spices for the same purpose. Bhang by itself is not so used, neither are charas and ganja. In 1891 a case of unnatural crime was committed to the Sessions at Shikarpur, in which the victim, a boy of 14, was said to have been drugged with sweetened bhang in which dhatura had been mixed, but the case was acquitted. Practically complete stupefaction does not follow the drinking of plain bhang. - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.
43. Yes; but the sensitive "feelings" of habitual consumers appear to be easily aroused, and such persons give way to inordinate merriment or to sudden anger at small provocation. In support of this view, there is the Sindi adage " Never meddle with a bhangi." 51. Such has not proved to be the case in this district. None so far as can be locally ascertained. 52. Persons claiming to be addicted to ganja and charas have been known to plead. irresponsibility for their actions. 53. It appears that those who indulge in bhang are easily provoked and become excessively irritable, and that insanity results from the immoderate use of ganja and charas. Serious crimes are most undoubtedly committed by persons addicted to. these drugs, and are mostly ascribed either to provocation or frenzy. 54. These drugs are not taken by those unaccustomed to their use with a view. to fortify themselves in the commission of premeditated crimes. Criminals addicted to ganja and chorus are believed to gather Dutch courage by fortifying themselves with a smoke prior to starting on their nefarious expeditions. 55. No such case has been heard of here. - Evidence of Mr. C. E. S. STAFFORD STEELE, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 1 have exercised magisterial powers for more than 26 years and no cases have come to my notice showing that because a man happens to be a moderate consumer of any of these drugs, he has been offensive to his neighbours. 51. Large proportion of bad characters in this country are those who do not use any of these drugs. The crime in general or in particular has no connection with the moderate use of these drugs. I give this opinion from my own experience as a Magistrate who have had to deal with bad characters and criminals for more than a quarter of a century. 52. On the other hand, the excessive use of bhang produces cowardice and timidity. An excessive bhang drinker is never violent. He is not expected to commit any daring deed. If he has no funds to purchase his daily bhang, he might resort to pilfering. The excessive smokers of ganja and charas get into fury and violence and in that state do commit the crime of taking the law in their own hands against the persons of other individuals, if provoked. 53. The excessive indulgence in these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime or violence. I know of no instance in which the excessive indulgence of these drugs may have led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I answer this in the negative. 55. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by any of these drugs without some strong admixture, such as dhatura or opium soaked in oil, and the criminals in order to further their designs always mix some other strong intoxicating drug with hemp drugs, when they administer it to their victims. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR KADIRDAD KHAN GUL KHAN, C.I.E., Deputy Collector, Naushahro Sub-division.
43. Yes; they are inoffensive. 51. No. The moderate use of these drugs has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. When out of employment or without means excessive habitual consumers of these drugs generally take to begging. Some proportion of them, say, about 5 per cent, take to thieving habits also. Such persons are well known for their timid and cowardly habits, and seldom engage in the perpetration of serious crimes, such as murders, dacoity, robbery, housebreaking, theft in dwellings, etc. 53. No. No. 54. No. 55. Yes. A bowl of thick preparation of bhang or two or three strong puffs of charas placed in the bowl of hukka with tobacco are said to produce complete stupefaction in a person not used to these drugs. But criminals invariably add some dhatura with bhang before inducing their victims to partake of these drugs. - Evidence of S. SADIK ALI SHERALI, Deputy Collector and First Class Magistrate, Frontier District of Upper Sind.
51. There is not a large proportion of bad characters who are habitual moderate consumers of bhang, charas, ganja or any other preparation thereof. There is no connection of moderate use of these drugs with crime in general, or with crime of any special character. 52. With regard to excessive use of these drugs, my reply is the same, viz., in the negative. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to unpremediated crime, violent or otherwise. I don't know of any ease in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. General remarks on the above four questions. — The use of these drugs is known to produce a feeling of drowsiness, want of activity and of fortitude, and it is more likely that even if a habitual offender falls into the habit of use of them he will take care when going in pursuit of any offence that he is not under the effect thereof. 55. It sometimes does occur (though in rare cases) that criminals in order to further their design induce their victims to partake of bhang or administer it without their knowledge in articles of food. Ganja and charas are hardly ever used for such purposes, for there is always a great hesitation to smoke it on the part of a person not used to it; and if given without his knowledge to a tobacco smoker he can at once make out the difference. It is possible that in the case of a man not used to the drug, bhang without mixture will induce complete stupefaction. No case has, however, come before me during my experience of fifteen years as a Magistrate, which I may quote to illustrate the view expressed by me that criminals in order to further their designs administer bhang to the victim. I remember there were two cases before me, but they did not end in conviction. I have come to know of certain cases disposed of by other Magistrates, and I regret I have not up to date received the information I have asked for, and as the time is drawing very close, I will submit the facts in a supplementary statement. - Evidence of K. B. MAHOMED YAKUB SHEIK ISMAIL, Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Schwan, Sind.
51. Most Sindbis take bhang, it is not specially consumed by bad characters. None as far as I am aware. 52. Some criminals have been known to take bhang four times daily, but this does not cause them to commit crime. 53. Very rarely. I know of only one instance. 54. I should say not. Most Siudhi criminals take bhang, and sometimes before committing offences. 55. In the few cases I remember the offenders were chiefly foreigners to Sind, and the victims were not completely stupefied. - Evidence of MR. C. MACIVER, District Superintendent of Police, Karachi.
43. No. 51. Bad characters use it moderately. Its moderate use has no connection with crime in general. 52. The offenders themselves do not use these drugs excessively, but they sometimes induce others to smoke or drink to excess in order to get opportunities of easily committing offences upon them. 53. The excessive use of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime. In 1870, in Mirpurkhas, in Hyderabad Zilla, one bhangi (a drinker of bhang) committed a murder in a scuffle about plucking berries. 54. No; criminals, when intending to commit a serious offence, would not themselves use any intoxicating drug to excess, for intoxication deprives one of sense. 55. Yes; but those persons who are not in the habit of taking any intoxicating drug, and who are called sufis, will be completely stupefied if they are made to drink bhang or smoke ganja and charas to excess. Habitual consumers can only be stupefied by bhang mixed with dhatura, etc. But 'akoi,' the wild bhang, if administered to any one, even without admixtures, will bring on stupefaction. - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur
43. No, it is the humble plant. 51. Yes. No connection. 52. The same as under 51. 53. It does not incite to unpremediated crime, but it will not be surprising if the consumer him-self falls a victim to it. I do not know of any such case. 54. Never. 55. Criminals do so; but if the victim is a man not habituated to its use, he will be stupefied. But criminals generally mix dhatura or akoi bhang with the ordinary bhang, or with charas, or with ganja, and induce their victims to partake of it. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug without admixture, if the victim be a man not habituated to its use. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector,
43. Nothing to that effect has come to my notice. 51. Yes; bad characters and gamblers are habitual moderate consumers of these drugs. I do not think there is any connection between such a moderate use and crime of any general or any special character. 52. Excessive use will produce more intoxication and more forgetfulness; but it appears to have no connection with crime. 53. Yes; I have heard from police officers that indulgence in these drugs sometimes incites to unpremeditated crime. Very lately, on the night of the 10th November l893, in the otara of Pir Nizar Mahomed, Kowra Khokhar murdered Dodo Machhi. In the investigation it was found that they were always quarrelling about opium and bhang. Kowra confessed in his statement that Dodo used to steal away his money and opium, and used to give him his urine as bhang drink. Hence he killed him with cudgels and' sticks. It was found out that Kowra used to take bhang, charas, ganja, and opium. I have no other per -sonal experience. 54. No. 55. Sufis not habituated to use bhang or ganja or charas, if forced to use them, will doubtless be
intoxicated, and will grow dull and will be over-taken by sleep, which will give ample opportunities to criminals to commit an offence. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD MURID, Police Inspector, Naushahro.
43. Usually they are. 51. The habitual moderate consumers, chiefly of charas, are bad characters, loafers, vagabonds, thieves, shop lifters, etc. 53. Yes, cases have been recorded. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture. - Evidence of DR. S. M. KAKA, Medical Officer of Health, Karachi.
43. No. 51. One who has experience will be able to say. It is the root of all vice. 52. I do not know. 53. It is very probable that it leads to the commission of offences. 54. One occasionally hears so. 55. It may be so. - Evidence of MAKHDUM DOST MOHAMMED MAKHDUM FAZUL MOHAMMED, Zamindar, Bubak, Karachi
43. They appear to be inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Some bad characters use these drugs moderately, others use them excessively, some habitually and others occasionally for their benefits. The moderate use has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character; but the excessive use has some connection with crime, in so far as intoxication deadens all moral sense and incites to the commission of offences. 52. Answers to this question have been given in question 5. 53. The excessive use of charas and ganja incites to unpremeditated crime, sometimes violent and sometimes otherwise. It cannot incite to murder. Excessive consumers, when provoked while intoxicated, are incited to commit violent crime. But this is not applicable to bhang drinkers, for bhang induces quietness of temper. 54. Some, very few, criminals do so. 55. Criminals do so, but their victims are not so much stupefied as to give the criminals opportunities to commit offences; but if the drug is given in excessive quantities the victims will be stupefied. If the victims are habitual drinkers or smokers, they cannot be stupefied without mixing dhatura; but occasional consumers will be stupefied by moderate as well as excessive quantities. - Evidence of SETH VISHINDAS NIHALCHAND, Zamindar, Merchant, and Contractor, Manjoo, Karachi
43. As a rule they are inoffensive. 52. From what I gather from native sources, I should say that a large proportion of bad characters are excessive consumers of these drugs. 55. Yes, I am told that they sometimes do so. Yes, a native doctor told me of the case of a young man, unused to bhang drinking, who had been completely stupefied by bhang and whom he had been called to see a few weeks ago. - Evidence of the REV. A. E. BALL, Missionary, Church Missionary Society, Karachi.
43. They become offensive to their neighbours if they do not get the drug at their proper time. 51. Bad characters also use these drugs as others do. Such use has no connection with crime in general. 52. The excessive use is likely to produce affrays or quarrelling. 53. I do not know that the excessive use of these drugs would incite to unpremeditated crime; but in cases of disagreement, violent offences have been committed. 54. I do not know. 55. I do not know if criminals induce their victims to partake of these drugs, and so to stupefy themselves without admixture - Evidence of MAHOMED LAIK, Mukhtarkar of Hyderabad.
43. Yes. 51. (a) and (b) No. 52. (a) They are as a rule habitual excessive consumers. 53. I think it does. Some years ago a sepoy at Hyderabad ran amuck, and it was believed that it was owing to his having indulged in the excessive use of bhang. 54. I think they are. 55. (a) Sometimes a preparation of bhang called majum is used for this purpose. (b) I have been told that complete stupefaction can be induced by administering any of these drugs without admixture in sufficiently large doses. - Evidence of PRIBHDAS SHEWAKRAM ADVANI Secretary, Band of Hope, Hyderabad, Sind
43. If the ganja and charas smokers do not get the drugs at their usual time for taking them, they will prattle foolishly. 52. See question 50. 53. Excessive consumers, if prevented from taking the drugs, prattle foolishly. 54. Consumers of these drugs are timid rather than violent like alcohol drinkers. Hence no violence is committed by them. 55. If any of these drugs be administered to a person who is not in the habit of taking them, it is no wonder that he can be robbed, for he loses all consciousness. - Evidence of TIRITHDAS HASRAJMAL, Member of the firm of Denmal Sachanond, Karachi.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Yes. It has no connection. 52. Men of bad character use these drugs excessively and often commit offences relating to porperty and human life. 53. Yes. Unpremeditated violent crimes are committed, but I do not know any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. Yes. Bhang alone cannot induce complete stupefaction, nor can charas or ganja alone. - Evidence of PESUMAL .NARUMAL, Farmer and Merchant, Hyderabad
43. No. 51. Yes; no connection. 52. There may be very few bad characters who use these drugs in excess, but they are not bold enough to commit offences such as affray. 53 and 54. No. 55. Yes ; complete stupefaction can be induced by mixing ganja and bhang ; and if a consumer uses it in excess, there is every probability of his becoming unconscious. - Evidence of DAYARAM KISHUNCHAND, Bhang, Charas and Ganja, and Opium Farmer, .Hyderabad.
43. Consumers of ganja, charas and bhang are inoffensive to their neighbours. 55. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced by any of these drugs. - Evidence of AHRUMOL PRITAMDAS, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours and others. 55. Complete stupefaction is not produced by any of these drugs. - Evidence of MANGHANMAL ALUMAL, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi.
43. No. 51. Bad chareters use these drugs moderately, and habitually, but their use has no connection with crime. 52. Their use has no connection with crime, as is said above. 53 and 54. No. 55. Persons are not stupefied, but sufis (persons not habituated to the use of narcotics) are stupefied even without admixture. - Evidence of DIN MAHOMED, Contractor, Shikarpur
51. During my service of more than twentyfour years in Berar, I do not remember any case in which the accused person was supposed to have committed the crime as a result of use of these drugs; nor does the moderate use of these drugs convert the consumers into bad characters, nor, vice versa, are bad characters, as a rule, consumers of these drugs. 52. The excessive use of these drugs is injurious to the health of the consumers, and, I believe, affects their mind and intellect, but does not, as far as my experience goes, tend towards crime. On the contrary, the excessive use of these drugs so completely undermines the health, nerve, and mind of the consumer as to leave him almost incapable of committing premeditated crime. 53. I do not know of any such case, but it is quite possible that excessive indulgence in any of these drugs, particularly bhang, might lead to temporary frenzy, during which unpremeditated crime might be committed. 54. Not that I am aware of. 55. Certain classes of criminals do use drugs of various kinds to stupefy their victims, or even to kill them; this type of criminal was more common in old days than now. Whether ganja, bhang, and charas were, or are, more frequently the drugs used for this purpose than dhatura or other drugs I do not know, but as far as I am aware the action of these drugs would not be sufficiently rapid to suit the purposes of the criminal in most cases. I have never seen any experiments made with these drugs, and do not know whether complete stupefaction can be induced by them without admixture. - Evidence of MR. A. ELLIOTT, Deputy Commissioner, Wun District.
51. No. None so far as has come to my notice in this district. 52. Not come under notice in this district. 53. Probably would, but I cannot speak from personal observations. No. 54. Not so far as I know. Liquor is generally taken on such occasions both before and after committing the offence. 55. I have not come across any such cases. I believe it can. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR SHAMSUDDIN ALI KHAN, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Basim District.
43. They are quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Some of the bad characters are habitual moderate consumers of ganja. Some other ganja smokers when they are short of money pick pockets and commit minor thefts. It has no connection with crime of any special character. 52. Bad characters are not generally habitual -excessive consumers of any of these drugs ; and there seems to be no connection between excessive use of any of these drugs and crime, because when they are once fully under the influence of these drugs they are quite incapacitated even to move .about. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime. I do not know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. In this part of the country criminals do not use any of these drugs for the purposes noted in the question. Complete stupefaction may be produced by this drug without admixture. - Evidence of C. SHAM RAO, Attachè to the Resident at Hyderabad, now at Pusad, Basim District
51. I cannot say that any large proportion of bad characters of Berar are habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. I would say that only a very small class of bad characters is addicted to smoking of ganja, and the majority of them are given up to liquor and opium. There is not apparently much connection between the moderate use of ganja and crime in general, or in particular. As a general rule, it may be safely asserted that people who habitually commit crime, are given up either to liquor, opium or ganja, the professional classes of criminals perhaps being excepted. The reason of this general addiction of offenders to some intoxicant or other is that they almost always belong to degraded classes of society. Their morals are very low, and they have no public opinion as such to restrain them from such evil habits. Thus even boys take to ganja, opium, or liquor fromtheir boyhood,in which they find no small encouragement from the examples of their elders, Thus brought up, they naturally are averse to all manner of serious work, which alone can secure for them their bare living. Added to this is the sharp and irrepressible craving for the stimulants which cannot wait. Hence they are disposed to commit small thefts, more for the acquisition of the stimulants than for that of the means of livelihood. So I think that any of these stimulants do not stand as cause to effect towards commission of crimes. The ganja smokers' crime is generally petty thieving. I have no reason to believe that bhang eating or drinking leads to crime. 52. The excessive use of ganja smoking is believed to lead to insanity. Of course crimes may be committed in this state for which the ofender cannot be held responsible. Ganja smoking in excess leads to crimes of personal injury even amounting to murder. 53. Excessive indulgence in ganja smoking is known, in a few cases, to have incited to unpremeditated crime of violence to person even up to murder. I know of no case in which it had led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I know of no instances in which criminals used any of these drugs to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. But it is just possible that criminals in very rare cases may be doing this. 55. I have heard criminals inducing their victims to partake of some preparations of hemp drugs, and thereby to stupefy them, so that the intended crimes may be easily and safely committed. As to whether complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture, I am not in a position to say. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VAMAN NARAYEN BAPAT, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Amraoti District.
51. The bad characters in Berar are not habitual moderate consumers of hemp drugs. There may be but very few among the bad characters that are addicted to the smoking of ganja or drinking of bhang. I do not think moderate use of ganja has any connection with the commission of crime in general. The consumer of ganja is sometimes prone to pick up quarrels and commit crimes such as petty assaults, but I had not before me up to date any case in which an offender was found guilty of a crime which he had committed while he was under the influence of ganja or bhang. 52. The excessive use of ganja or bhang brings on insanity. In some cases it is temporary, and the discontinuance of the use and proper treatment restore a man to his proper senses after some time; but in some cases the insanity brought on by excessive use is almost permanent. 53. The excessive indulgence in ganja smoking, may in rare instances incite to unpremeditated crime of violence, but I know of no case in which it had led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I know of no case in which it was disclosed that the offender used ganja or bhang to fortify himself to commit any premeditated crime. 55. I have heard that criminals sometimes induce their victims, boys and women especially, to partake of hemp drug sweet preparation to further their designs. This is done in large fairs where thieves distribute the preparation as sharni or sweetmeats in the name of goddess in the evening, and after fall of night freely rob the women and the children of their property. - Evidence of N. P. JOSHI, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Wun District.
51. I do not think that any very striking disproportion exists, although habitual moderate consumers of ganja and its several preparations are, I believe, somewhat more numerous amongst bad characters than amongst men of the same caste or class who are law-abiding subjects. This is due, as far as I am able to judge from the cases that came within the range of my own observation, to the downward tendency acquired by men who take to a course of bad livelihood. The loss of self-respect thus suffered, especially after a conviction and the loosening of the ties of caste or family, or the restraints of society, make it easier for an individual to take to a habit which is looked upon by the generality of his countrymen as low and degrading. The term ganjeti, I might here state, is one of reproach, and usually carries with it a great deal more than its literal meaning of a smoker of ganja. 52. I do not believe that habitual moderate consumption of the drug has any connection, or perhaps only a very slight connection, with crime of any kind. I have known good charactered policemen, railway porters, sepoys, sadhus, sanyasis, and other Hindu asectics and religious mendicants, Marwari bankers and merchants who were confirmed consumers, and who, by long habit, had acquired the ability of taking astonishingly large quantities of the different preparations without any apparent ill-effects, morally or physically. 52. The same remarks apply, only less forcibly, to the excessive indulgence in the habit, excessive being understood to mean in unaccustomed quantities. I believe that the general tendency of the habit, when indulged in to an excess, which the means of the persons indulging do not permit, is to make him take to such types of crime as afford him the facility of adding to his income to meet the extra expense. The drug, considered in its relation to crime generally, occupies, I think, the position rather of an agent or tool than its primary cause; Indian criminals using it in the same way that a " Bill Sykes," or a " Moonlighter " would use gin or whisky at home, to work up "Dutch courage" for the commission of acts which had been determined on beforehand, and which they would put into execution, ganja or no ganja. 53. Excessive indulgence does, to my knowledge, so incite some people. I believe this depends upon the natural temperament of the person indulging in the drug, in the same way that liquor affects different people differently, putting some into a frenzy and making others better tempered than when sober. It is my opinion that weak-minded people who are morose and given to brooding are more likely to be led into some act of violence or homicidal mania by the use of ganja than others who are stronger physically and mentally. A case in point is the following : — A pensioned sepoy, now dead, Amrut alias Ambrose, served me for a short time at Badnera. I had known him for very many years. He was morose, but of a most humble and, I must say, rather cowardly disposition for a man who had been an infantry sepoy for some twenty-five years. I had him employed in 1884 to watch building material at Badnera. Larger quantities of wood having been stolen, I took proper steps, and Ambrose himself was detected one morning by a constable stealing a bundle of wood, and was told that I would take him to task later on. At 10 A. M., when I saw the man, he was excited, had an unusually wild look about him, and was grossly impertinent on my telling him that he was dismissed. I then ordered a constable to put him off the premises, and left before the order was carried out ; but as I was passing within a couple of yards of the well in the church compound, which had been just sunk to a depth of thirty-five feet, and was still unfenced, Ambrose made a sudden rush at me from behind, clasped me round the body, and, before I had quite realized my position, violently pushed me to within two feet of the brink of the well, muttering, " I will kill you and die myself." He showed all the strength and frenzy of a madman, and it was with the greatest difficulty that I prevented him from effecting his purpose. When I threw him off, he hurled a big stone at me and then rushed at me with a heavy billet of wood, and had to be severely handled by me before he was quieted. He admitted to me afterwards that, fearing I would administer a beating to him, he had prepared himself for the occasion by smoking a large quantity of ganja, to which he had been addicted in moderation for about thirty years. Up to this he had always borne an extremely good character, both before and after taking his pension, and his conduct on the occasion referred to above was quite exceptional and unlooked for. On the other hand, there are many persons whom I know to be habitual consumers of the drug in large quantities who never displayed such homicidal frenzy, even under far more trying circumstances. An old Telugu servant of mine, who is. still alive, has been in the habit of smoking ganja for over thirty years; but was always hard working, thoroughly reliable, and a man of the most even temper. 54. Yes, I believe they are. Ganja is resorted to where the necessity arises for the display of great endurance, or for the support of pain, fatigue or hunger ; also sometimes to nerve a man to do a daring or cruel act. It is by the use of this drug that the " tigers," and " majnoons " and other masqueraders are able to stand such an extraordinary amount of incessant exertion and continued want of sleep during the ten days of Muharram. Hindu ascetics practise most of their austerities under this influence, and it is used also in some cases of rude surgery. I have known a servant of mine once administer majum to a child of ten before subjecting her, as a cure for persistent fever, to a most fearful cautery on the small of the back with a piece from the neck of a broken earthen waterpot which had been made red hot over live coals. At an execution by decapitation at Hyderabad, which I witnessed many years ago, the executioner resorted to his ganja chillum several times before he worked up sufficient courage to administer the fatal stroke. At Nawanaggar in Gujarat, in 1868, a Habshi retainer of the Raja's murdered his own wife and daughter and defied arrest. He was tried ex parte and condemned to death. A half-breed Arab volunteered to put the sentence into execution, and, approaching the Habshi under pretence of being unarmed, but with his naked sword hanging behind his back, cut the man down in front of his own door. I reached the place a few days later and spoke with the Arab, who assured me that the Habshi being an extraordinarily powerful man and very ferocious, he felt afraid to approach him until he had had recourse to hashish or ganja. As examples of endurance under influence of the drug, I might mention the following few instances out of a large number :— An artillery sepoy of one of the Contingent batteries, whom I knew very well, as he was my father's orderly for a number of years, and afterwards rose to be a superior native officer, retiring as such, was a confirmed smoker of ganja, and drank bhang also. He did this from a spirit of economy of time and money, to save the expense of provisions, and the two or more hours per diem which he had to spend in the culinary and ceremonial functions he had, as a Pardeshi Brahmin, to go through daily in the preparation of his food. He ate only twice a week, on Sundays and Thursdays, military holidays, supporting himself during the interval upon small handfuls of chabina (parched gram) and other grains, and several smokes a day of ganja. He drank bhang as an appetiser and digestive on the two days set apart for cooked food. He was none the worse for this, and discontinued his fasts only after having, like most Pardeshis in Berar, acquired a certain competency. He, however, kept to the ganja and bhang even after the alleged necessity for indulgence had ceased. The case of a railway porter, and a sepoy of the Hyderabad Contingent Infantry, and of several Tapaswis (Hindu ascetics practising austerities) who were under a vow to eat no solid food, cooked or uncooked, for various terms of years, seven to fourteen, and had the reputation of having kept to their vows on cow's milk and fresh fruit and ganja. The railway porter, after nearly completing the period of his vow, became temporarily mad during a hot weather. His insanity was, however, of short duration, and he was re-employed as a " gateman," and is still, I believe, on the railway. The sepoy, I was credibly informed, completed his seven years' abstinence. I saw him when he was in his fifth year, and he looked somewhat pale and reduced, but otherwise strong and healthy. He lived on only four quarts of fresh milk, with sugar, bhang, and several smokes a day of ganja. I shall refer to the case of only one of the Tapaswis—a man in the "Khaki-baha Math " at Hingoli, who was under vow of standing upright, night and day, for fourteen years, on milk and fruit, assisted by ganja. I saw him when he had done ten or twelve years. He was pale, but plump and healthy on the enormous quantities of fresh fruit, milk and sugar which he consumed daily. A medical friend who accompanied me to the Math examined the Tapaswi and found that he had completly lost the power of flecting the knees, ossification of the joints having supervened through long disuse. The man assured us that the torture at first was horribly intense., and he was enabled to endure it only by consuming large quantities of bhang and ganja, etc. His mode of spending the night—in the day he shuffled painfully about without bending the knees—was by suspending the upper portion of his body from the arms upwards on a rude grass pillow which was placed between the pendant ends of the roots of a large Budd tree under which he had taken up his residence, night and day, fair weather or foul. I saw him repeatedly, once during the heart of a severe monsoon. Exposure and bad circulation had produced a great swelling of the legs, which a hadjam had attemped to relieve by deep scarifications from knees to toes with his razor. There were scores of these cuts, which had festered into deep, irritant, painful sores. The Tapaswi, however, only smiled with a look of good-tempered indifference; but kept applying himself vigorously to his ganja chillum or Iota of bhang, of which he consumed astonishingly large quantities. 55. Preparations of hemp are sometimes used by pickpockets and thieves during periods of large gatherings of the people at fairs and places of pilgrimage, also by bhamptas in railway trains and waiting rooms to stupefy their victims, whom they are thus enabled to rob all the more easily. The juice extracted from the green roots of the jawari plant is said to be sometimes added to give the drug greater effect. The preparation of ganja known as majum is sold in large quantities during Dassera, Holi, Muharram, etc. The ordinary quality is not very powerful, and is pretty freely partaken of by the people. A stronger quality is usually kept by such badmash, sweetmeat vendors as are in league with the pickpockets and thieves. This strong majum is sold by the vendors to suitable victims, usually unprotected females or young lads with ornaments on their person, of which they are stripped by the accomplices when stupefied or semi-stupefied by the effects of the drug. A case of this kind came under my notice many years ago. The victim was a young woman with an infant in her arms. She was a spectator of the " Rain Lila" tamasha and fireworks at Ellichpur during the Dassera and walked Past me to purchase some sweets. I noticed that she had a number of ornaments on her person ; but an hour or so later, I found her huddled up under a tree, her ornaments taken from her, and she only half conscious of the fact. Complete stupefaction did not seem to have taken place. The woman moved about very much as usual, but appeared as if doing so in a somnambulistic state. Majum had been given her. I myself once partook of a small piece of majum, which made me feel dull and stupid, with rushing sounds in the head. If I had taken more, it would have, I fear, completely stupefied me. - Evidence of MR. J. R. O'GRADY, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Badnera.
43. The moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The bad characters that we have got in this taluk are not generally the habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. Some of them are used to these drugs. I don't think that the consumers or any or these drugs commit graver offences. They may, perhaps, commit petty thefts with the intention of getting money for this purpose, very rarely and in time of need. 52.I don't think that the excessive consumers of any of these drugs will commit offences of a graver nature. 53.It cannot be stated with certainty that the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites to unpremeditated crime. I have no knowledge of any case of murder being committed by such men. 54, Reliable information on this head cannot be supplied. 55.The criminals, in order to further their designs, induce their victims to partake any of these drugs and so stupefy them. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture. - Evidence of WAMAN GANESH, Tahsildar, Wun.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The bad characters only are used to these drugs. The proportion is not based on the population. The bad characters generally commit petty offences with the intention of defraying the costs of these drugs. The consumers of liquor require a. large amount to spend for it, while the consumers of these drugs can manage with a small amount. 52. This has been solved ill answer No. 51 above. 53. The excessive indulgence does not, it appears, excite the consumer to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, unless the consumer has not been out of his senses. 54. These drugs are not used by criminals in order to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. The criminals induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs, and so stupefy them in order to further their designs. Complete stupefaction can be induced by admixture. - Evidence of VINAYAK APPAJI KAUR, Brahmin, Officiating Tahsildar, Darwa, Wnn District.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 54. The drugs (ganja and bhang) are not used by criminals to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.
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 connection with crime. 52 and 53. Answering questions 52 and 53 together, I would say that I believe the excessive use of these drugs does tend to excite a violent disposition, which may culminate in temporary homicidal mania. A prisoner in the Akola Jail, who before conviction 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 deprived of it. He assaulted the Superintendent 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. - Evidence of COLONEL C. T. LANE, Inspector General of Police, Amraoti
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. - Evidence of MR. H. A. HEATH, District Superintendent of Police, Wun.
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 feeling 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 constitutional 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 unpremeditated crime, violent and otherwise. It causes irritation of the brain and produces an improper condition, wherein conceptions undoubtedly arise which lead to hitherto unpremeditated action. Known cowards have been known under such influence to commit rash, even bold, acts they had never contemplated, much less been guilty of, without its inflammatory aid, and many a burglary and road crime had never occurred. but for its influence. I have met no such case personally ; but the annals of criminal history in India show it does lead to temporary homicidal frenzy : witness the repeated instances of running amuck, which might one and all be authenticated. 54. Yes ; I have met many instances wherein these drugs have been used to encourage to the commission of burglaries and road crime, especially the former. I should say the Afghans (Kurbulla Syeds, other Peshinis, Yusuff Zaies, Hussan Zaies, etc.), Mænas and the Bowri class generally (and it has many ramifications) do resort to these drugs whenever there is a likelihood of resistance, when they will allow nothing to deter them either in the commission of the crime or to enable them to retreat. Even the commission of murder is looked on as nothing when under this influence. 55. Not to my own knowledge. I have read that such has been done, and without admixture it might be administered in a chillum ; but I have no personal knowledge. But rather that, in order to stupefy a victim, criminals use the dhatura or the root of the jowari invariably. These being so much the safer also would be preferable; and the effect of both dhatura and the jowari root is identical in its proportionate dose. I could point to many instances of the latter ; personally to none of the former. - Evidence of MR. N. R. CUMBERLEGE, District Superintendent of Police, Amraoti
43. Yes, more inoffensive than spirit drinkers. 51. No; only a small proportion. 53. Yes, in solitary instances. I know of one case in Mhow where a person killed and wounded several persons by running amuck by indulgence in excess by this drug. 54. Generally where revenge is the object. 55. Yes. Complete stupefaction is induced in persons who are not habituated to it after the preliminary stage of excitement. - Evidence of G. V. KOT, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Amraoti.
43.It depends upon a man's temperament. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMA.D SALAMULLA KHA.N, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District.
43. Yes. 51. No. None. 52. A large proportion of bad characters are excessive consumers and are given to commit petty crime and adultery for the gratification of lust. Bhang excepted. 53. It may, but I do not know of any case that led to homicidal frenzy. 54. No, but to alleviate fatigue and labour. 55. The preparation of majum is given sometimes to children, in order to stupefy them and facilitate the robbing of their ornaments ; occasionally also given to women with intent to rob or dishonour them. Without admixture no complete stupefaction can be caused. - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim.
43. Inoffensive. 51 to 54. No. 55. Yes ; a man not used to these drugs would be completely stupefied. - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District.
43. Moderate consumers are generally inoffensive to their neighbours. 53. The excessive indulgence in ganja and bhang incites a man to commit acts of violence. 54. To fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence criminals do not use these drugs. 55. Criminals do sometimes induce their victims to partake ganja or bhang to stupefy them, but no complete stupefaction can be effected without admixture of dhatura seeds. - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir.
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. There is no large proportion of bad characters who are habitual moderate consumers of any of these drugs. Moderate consumers are criminals of general or special character. 52. Those who use these in excess are more bad characters and more addicted to crime generally. 53. It cannot be trusted when and what crime will these excessive consumers do. One bairagi murdered a woman at Shendurjana, Mehkar tahsil, while under intoxication, and he was sentenced for it. 55. In order to further their object, criminals induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs to stupefy them. In the case of persons not accustomed to the use of these drugs, complete stupefaction can be used without admixture. - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District
43. Yes. 51. Yes ; and. they resort to the consumption of ganja or charas to give them nerve to commit the crime. 54 and 55. Yes. - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere.
43. As much so as tobacco smoker's or peg drinkers. 51. Bad characters are said to be more addicted to all the hemp preparations than other persons, probably in the same way that bad characters are said to be addicted to drink, opium, etc. 53. I don't think it incites to unpremeditated crime of any kind. 54. I have often found that when a crime has been premeditated, ganj a and charas is taken to give Dutch courage. 55. Often. I believe not, for instance when a man has taken as much of any of the hemp drugs as it is possible for him to take, although he will become quite unconscious, a sharp shock will restore consciousness immediately. - Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere.
43.I think they are offensive to their neighbours owing to the smell. 51. I think a large portion of bad characters are habitual moderate consumers. 53. I think it does in the case of those who eat and drink bhangi preparation. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg
43. I think so. 51. I never detected any connection between them. 53. No ; I know of no case. - Evidence of MR. A. M. B. IRWIN, Deputy Commissioner, Tharrawaddy.
43. Yes, as far as I know. 51, 52, 53 and 54. No. 55. I never heard of any such cases in Burma. - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui.
51. There are none out of the original inhabitants of this sub-division who are habitual consumers. There are some men of other countries, as of Punjab and Kandahar, etc., who are moderate habitual consumers, but their character has never been noted under influence of these drugs. 52. None. 53. No case of this nature has come before me for an instant during the past three years in this sub-division. 54. Ditto. But criminals generally fortify themselves in other places or districts to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crimes with use of these drugs. 55. No case of such nature in this sub-division, but criminals do further their designs and induce their victims to partake of these drugs, and complete stupefaction can thus be induced by these drugs without admixture if given to a man who has never taken any of these drugs for intoxication. - Evidence of KAZI IMAMUDDIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Pishin.
43. Opinions differ. Offensive to Buddhists, inoffensive to natives of India. I don't know any respectable persons who are consumers of the drug. 51. Not in Burma. A ganja consumer is suspected of every petty theft in the quarter where he is seen. 52. Same as 51. 53. Yes. Personally I know of no case where excessive indulgence has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I am not aware of Burman criminals so fortifying themselves with these drugs. They fortify themselves with alcohol instead. 55. Cannot say, as no such cases have come before me. - Evidence of MR. J. S. D. FRASER, Deputy Commissioner, Pegu
51. No ; these drugs are not generally used by bad characters in Burma. They are ordinarily consumed by natives of India (especially of the Madras Presidency) of the poorer classes who sometimes commit petty thefts as a means of indulging in them. 52. The same answer applies to the excessive use of the drug. 53. No ; on the contrary the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs produces lethargy and eventually leads to dementia or insanity. I have not known of any case in which it has led to tem-porary homicidal frenzy. 54. No; on the contrary those under their influence are physically unable to do anything. 55 (a ). No ; no cases of this kind have come under my notice, dhatura being the narcotic usually resorted to for this purpose. (b) I cannot say. Ganja is usually smoked in a chillum or earthen pipe, while bhang is prepared like sherbet and drunk. Both, however, are sad to produce drowsiness - Evidence of MR. J. D. MERCER, District Superintendent of Police, Moulmein.
51. A small proportion of bad characters consume ganja. Many respectable natives of India partake of bhang in the form of cooling drinks, others smoke ganja mixed with tobacco, others partake of it in the form of sweet halwa called majum. Fakirs take it in the form of pills ; they mix the ganja with pepper and ginger. Ganja leaves are also cooked in curries. The drug is smuggled into Burma from India through the Postal Department and by steamers. In Upper Burma the plant is often seen growing near villages and is used medicinally. There is no connection between hemp drug and crime. 52.The excessive use of ganja is said to be deleterious, persons indulging in its use and while under its influence have no inclination to commit crime ; on the contrary, the feeling is one of drowsiness with an inclination to remain indoor. 53.Excessive indulgence of the drug does not incite unpremeditated crime of any kind, but I believe it has its bad results on the constitution and the consumer grows cowardly. 54.The consumer of the drug, when under its influence, grows lazy and drowsy, and consequently does not go in for committing crime, but I believe criminals when in want of funds commit crime to enable them to procure the drug. 55.Yes, there are instances where criminals to further their designs induce their victims to partake of the drug ; complete stupefaction can be induced by partaking of it without admixture. - Evidence of MR. R, W. MARTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Rangoon.
51. Not in Burma. I have not come across any such cases during my service in Burma excepting two cases mentioned below. 52.I have not had much experience regarding the use of hemp drugs. Where I served in India, dhatura and arsenic were chiefly used. 53.No ; not to my knowledge. No. 54.Yes, and in all cases in which the persons concerned are in the habit of taking these drugs. At Sagaing in Upper Burma in 1888 (?) the SubMajor of the military police battalion was shot dead by a sepoy, who indulged in bhang. Another bhang-eating sepoy of the same battalion and in the same year, I think, attempted to murder a Burmese girl. Both these men are supposed to have fortified themselves with bhang, but as they were not captured till two or three days after commission of the offences, it would be impossible to know for certain. I cannot recall any hemp-drugging case, vide my reply to No. 52. - Evidence of MR. A. G. MAYNE, District Superintendent of Police, Pegu.
51.(a) No. (b) None in my experience in Burma. I have not known these drugs used by Burmans. With natives of India, it sometimes leads to homicidal frenzy. 52.In Burma, I have never seen a case of excessive use. 53.Yes ; but I have only known cases of excessive doses of ganja leading to homicidal frenzy. This was in India. 54.Not in Burma to my knowledge. But I have known a case of Burmese dacoits fortifying themselves in liquor. 55.(a) I have heard of cases in India, but not in Burma. (b) I have not seen any cases, but I have been informed in India bhang causes complete stupefaction. - Evidence of MR. A. J. A. JARDINE, District Superintendent of Police, Bassein.
51. No ; ganja is hardly ever consumed by. Burman criminals. 52, 53, 51 and 55. I have had no experience of the effects of the excessive use of any of these drugs. - Evidence of MR. W.G. SNADDEN, District Superintendent of Police, Maubin.
51. Hemp drugs are not used by the Arakanese. The Chittagonians and Bengalis, of whom there are a large number in Arakan, indulge in ganja and drugs obtained from hemp. It is consumed both by respectable men and bad characters. I do not think it has anything to do with crime. No instance has been brought to my notice where crime has been put down to the use of these drugs. The people use it to allay pain and keep off malarious fever. Mostly all the violent crimes in this district have originated in liquor shops. 54.No; not here. 55.No case of the kind has been brought to my notice. - Evidence of MR. M. J. CHISHOLM, District Superintendent of Police, Akyab.
51. As far as my experience goes none of the Burmans with whom I have come into contact use these drugs. I have not come across any native bad characters who use them. It has apparently little or no connection with crime. 52. These drugs are not used by the Burmans. 53. Not, as far as I know ; have never heard of a case during my twenty years' residence in Burma. 54. Not within my knowledge, neither have I been able to ascertain anything on the subject from the natives with whom I have been brought into contact. 55.No ; such a case has not been heard of in this district, neither do I remember hearing of any. - Evidence of MR. E. H. MOLLOY, District Superintendent of Police, Meiktila.
51. Natives of India are consumers of ganja ; but I do not think Burmans are habitual consumers. Charas and bhang are not known in this district. No instances have come to my notice in which any criminals or bad characters have been consumers of any of these drugs, and I do not think crime is affected one way or the other by it in this part of the country. Ganja to a small extent was grown in the district by Burmans, who did not know the same was prohibited ; but it was grown for sale to natives, and not for their own consumption. 52.No cases of excessive use have come under my notice. I do not know of any case in which Burmans are consumers of any of these drugs in this district: 53. From enquiries made from old Burmans, I am informed that in the king's time some few Burman bad characters did consume ganja, but it merely had the effect of making them happy and sleepy ; but the men from whom I have made the enquiries say they have never known a case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54.The opinions of the people about here are to the effect that the use of these drugs amongst Burmans does not tend to fortify them to commit crime ; but that it would make them helpless and incapable to carry out any premeditated crime. 55.I have not had any experience of any such cases. - Evidence of MR. C. M. PRENDERGAST, District Superintendent of Police, Sagaing.
51 The large proportion of criminals in this district, are opium smokers and not consumers of ganja, etc. Bhang and charas are not known to Burmans. Certain villages round Tindau and Thetngaibyin in the Allanmyo subdivision are in the habit of trading in ganja which they bring into Allanmyo and Thayetmyo and sell to natives of India. To my knowledge there are no habitual consumers among the natives of India in this district, and moderate consumption of the drugs referred to does not lead to crime. 52, 53, 54 and 55. I cannot answer these questions as no cases have occurred in this district, nor have I heard of any cases during my service in the Police. - Evidence of MR. W. H. TARLETON,* District Superintendent of Police, Thayetmyo.
51. (a) No ; not in Burma. (b) The use of these drugs does not affect crime in Burma. 52. See above. 53. No. 54. No. 55. (a) Yes ; but very rarely in Burma. (b) Yes. - Evidence of MR. E. G. MUMFORD, District Superintendent of Police, Tounghoo.
51. From enquiries made, I find that bad characters in this district are not consumers of these drugs. If there be any consumers at all, the percentage is so very small that it is unnoticeable. Consumption of these drugs has no connection with crime in this district. 52. There is no excessive use of these drugs. 53.The only effect of excessive use is heavy sleep and stupidity. If excessive use be continued, it leads to idiotcy, but does not incite to crime, violent or otherwise. I do not know, nor have I heard, of any cases in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy in this country, though it does so in India. 54.No, not as a rule, though there are exceptional cases. Criminals, if they wish to fortify themselves, do so by drinking liquor. 55.Yes, criminals do induce their victims to partake of these drugs, and so stupefy them. Complete stupefaction appears to be induced by this drug without admixture. The general opinion regarding this ding is that, if used, it causes heavy sleep and stupidity. Criminals require all their wits about them when about to commit crimes, and so do not use it. Burmans, as a rule in this district at least, appear to fear the drug, seeing that it leads to id[leness]- Evidence of MR. R. A. E. CASTLE, District Superintendent of Police, Prome.
51. The drug is not used by the Burman bad characters of this district. 52. It is not used. 53, 51 and 55, No. 56. Not used in this district. - Evidence of MR. A. A. ST. CLAIR MILLER, District Superintendent of Police, Tharrawaddy
51. The bad characters of the Shwegyin district are chiefly Burmans, and they scarcely ever use these drugs even in moderation. Natives of India (Hindustanis), are known to use the drug in moderation, and when so used, its use has no connection with crime. 52. Excessive use is very uncommon. I cannot recall to mind a single instance of it in this district during the last year; excessive use is known to lead to one kind of crime, which is known as " running amuck." 53. As reported above, I know of no instances since I have been in this district. If used in excess, and if followed by crime, it would be unpremeditated violent crime. 54. No ; not to my knowledge. 55. No such cases have ever been proved to my knowledge, and I cannot say whether complete stupefaction could be induced without admixture. - Evidence of MR. H. P. PEDLER, District Superintendent of Police, Shwegyin.
51. The consumption of hemp drugs is solely confined to natives of India, with whom I have had very little experience, and regret that I am unable to give an opinion. 53. The only case that I know of was that of a Hindu syce in my employ. He frequently indulged in bhang and behaved like an idiot for two or three days at a time. He laid hands quietly on articles he could find and threw them into the well whilst intoxicated ; he would not let any one approach him, and climbed up trees to escape being captured. 54. I have had no experience of any such case. 55. I regret that I am unable to give an opinion. - Evidence of MR. A. B. KIERNANDER, District Superintendent of Police, Minbu.
51. No ; moderate use has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 52. The excessive use of any of these drugs undoubtedly leads the poorer classes to commit theft to enable them to purchase the drug. I do not think it leads to crime of any special character. 53. Yes ; I have known more than one case in which excessive indulgence has led to stabbing cases, but in these cases there has been previous enmity. 54. No ; I think not. 55. No - Evidence of MR. B. L. CUMBERLAND, District Superintendent of Police, Magwe, Upper Burma.
51. No ; most certainly not No connection whatever in this province. 52. The use of these drugs in most parts of Burma is so infinitesimal, that they have no perceptible influence on crime at all. 53. Not that I am aware of. No. 54. No. Perhaps in one case in ten thousand. Yes. - Evidence of MR. E. G. MCDOUGALL, Officiating District Superintendent of Police, Myingyan, Upper Burma.
43. Yes. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual excessive consumers of charas and ganja, but not of bhang. Petty thefts and debauchery are the crimes generally committed by these men. 53. No; and no case is known in which the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No, as far as known. 55. Yes, complete stupefaction can be induced by the excessive use of any of these drugs without admixture. Answer No 1, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. I cannot trace any crimes specially to the consumers of these drugs. 53. Yes. A case occurred in a battery of artillery during the summer of 1893, where a muleteer killed several others, when supposed to be under the influence of these drugs. 54. Not known. 55. No. - Answer No 3, Army
43. Yes. 53, 54 and 55. No. - Answer No 4, Army
43. Yes. 51. Not more than any other class of consumers. 53. Yes. Not personally. [Questions 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49, 51 and 53 answered by Medical Officer.] 54. Possibly. I know of no such cases of my own knowledge. 55. No personal knowledge on this point. - Answer No 6, Army
43. Inoffensive. 51. Criminals, especially thieves, are generally consumers, or, to speak more correctly, they steal to obtain means to purchase the drug. 53. No. I know of no such case. In my 24 years' experience I have only known two instances of drug consumers in excess. One was a man who, when on vidette duty, galloped off and joined the enemy. He used to be sucking at a hukka with charas nearly all night long, and had eaten very little food for weeks before. The other case was a man who used to get noisy and talkative, but was always good-tempered in his fits. 54. This is denied. It is said that a man under the influence of these drugs is always (temporarily at least) an utter coward; and that even were he otherwise, he would probably not be able to strike a victim with precision or effect. 55. Yes, this is a common trick of pickpockets in railway carriages and such places. If the victim is not an habitual consumer complete stupefaction takes place. But not so if he is a regular consumer; it is then only very partial. - Answer No 7, Army
43. Moderate consumers appear, as a rule, to be inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The Minas in the regiment are the chief consumers, but they cannot be called bad characters. 53. Yes.
No. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, charas is used with this object - Answer No 8, Army
43. No. Because they are very quarrelsome when intoxicated. 51 Yes. 53. Sometimes. No. 54. No. 55. Yes. - Answer No 9, Army
43. A very moderate use does not render the consumer offensive to his neighbours. Moderate consumers do no harm, but in comparison with abstainers all consumers are considered less trustworthy, and people are always afraid of consumers being quarrelsome. 51. As a general rule habitual consumers of these drugs are not bad characters, and they do not seem to be addicted to any special crime. 53. I have never seen any special inclinations to any crime spring from these drugs and can give no instance. 54. These drugs do not seem to be used by criminals to prepare themselves for crime. 55. Criminals mix with these drugs other intoxicants to make their victims senseless. I have never heard that insensibility follows quickly on these drugs. - Answer No 11, Army
43. The smoking of charas produces an offensive smell, causing a feeling of nausea, and even slight intoxication to those in its vicinity who are unaccustomed to its smell. 51. Bad characters are often habitual consumers of all these drugs, and when under their influence are undoubtedly more likely to commit crime in general. 53. Probably, but no special case is known. 54. Yes, in the same way that a man might take a dram to fortify himself for the same purpose. 55. Yes, the stupefaction can be produced by hemp alone, but dhatura is often mixed with it. - Answer No 14, Army
43. Yes. The native officers confirm this opinion. 51. Bad characters, on being found to be such, are promptly got rid of, so I have no data to reply to this query. My whole knowledge on this subject is really summed up in an extra regimental impression, founded on reading, that some men "bhang themselves up to the eyes" before undertaking a murderous outrage. The native officers say "bhang" has the effect of making a man concentrate his whole attention on one thing, oblivious of all else. The native officers say such a man would not drink bhang but smoke ganja or charas. 53. One case is known of a man who had indulged in ganja when checked on sentry, coming to the charge, and threatening a native officer with the bayonet. No other data. 54. Vide reply to question 51. 55. No regimental data. Native officers consider such a use is not availed of. It might, in persons unaccustomed to it, produce complete stupefaction without admixture. Dhatura would be the thing employed, and not any preparation of the hemp plant. - Answer No 15, Army
43. Yes, they are inoffensive. 51. The habitual consumers of these drugs are not generally bad characters. Their use has no connection with crime of any general or special character. It is, however, difficult for a man to give up the habit of using the drugs once he has taken to them. 53. Not having any experience of the excessive use of any of these drugs by any class of men under me, I am unable to give an opinion. The excessive use is said to make a man's temper fretful, but nothing more. I know of no case in which their use has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No, these drugs, as far as I know, are not used for this purpose. 55. There is said to be a tendency to do this, but perfect stupefaction cannot be obtained without admixture, or by using very large quantities of drug. - Answer No 17, Army
43. Yes. 51. There is no connection between crime and the use of the drug. 53. Presumably a man under the influence of charas would no more know what he was doing than a man drunk with alcohol. I know of no case. 54. Probably. 55. I do not know. A man unaccustomed to the use of the drug can be completely stupefied by a large dose. - Answer No 19, Army
43. Quite so. 51. There is no native in the battery who could be fairly called a bad character. 53. Yes, a man drunk with any of these drugs might be incited to violent crime. No. 54. Yes, that is a general idea, but no concrete instance has occurred in this battery. 55. Yes, the witnesses think such cases are possible. Ganja and charas will produce complete stupefaction; it would be difficult to do it with bhang. - Answer No 20, Army
43. Yes. 51. A somewhat large proportion of bad characters consume charas or bhang. No connection with crime in general. 53. Very seldom. No. 54. No. Spirits or country liquor would be used. 55. Sometimes, but seldom. Complete stupefaction can be induced by both charas and bhang if partaken of in excess. - Answer No 24, Army
43. A moderate consumer of any of these drugs is not offensive to his neighbours. 51. No, there is not a large proportion of bad characters habitual consumers of any of these drugs. The use of these drugs has no connection with crimes in general or crimes of any special character. 53. It is not certain; a great deal depends upon the quantity taken and the constitution of the consumers. I know of no case where an excessive indulgence of any of these drugs has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No, these drugs are not used by people to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or crime precipitately. 55. These drugs are not usually used to stupefy victims, as it would take a large quantity to do so. An excess quantity of any of these drugs taken by those not used to them will stupefy a person without admixture of anything else. - Answer No 25, Army
43. No reports were made against the men wno drink bhang moderately to show that their drinking was in any way injurious to their neighbours. - Answer No 26, Army
43. Moderate consumers of bhang and ganja are offensive to their neighbours, but immoderate consumers are troublesome. 51. Yes they are; they become irritative and are more quarrelsome. Men addicted to ganja and charas-smoking often steal trifling things as would suffice to purchase the gratification. 53. These drugs when taken excessively do at times incite the consumers to commit slight crimes not previously thought of. No such case has come to my knowledge yet. 54. At times the use of these drugs is shown as an excuse for offences committed. 55. These drags are used for alluring persons and getting one's objects done. Without admixture these drugs could not be given to non-consumers. - Answer No 27, Army
43. What is moderation ? Moderation has no limits. 51. Not necessarily. It acts as a stimulant and tends to nerve the person about to commit a crime. 53 and 54. 55. Yes. Complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs without admixture, and victims axe induced to partake of them - Answer No 28, Army
43. Yes, inoffensive, but not as a rule. 51. Not come within my knowledge. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these drugs will incite the consumer to unpremeditated and violent crime, as I had experience of a sepoy of my regiment who by excessive use of ganjasmoking did acts of violence and homicidal frenzy. Loading his musket, threatened to shoot his Commanding Officer or any one who dared to come near his door, which was kept closed from inside. Subsequently the man was arrested, tried and punished. 54. They may be used for that purpose, but I have no certain knowledge on the subject. 55. As above. Complete stupefaction can be produced by this drug (without admixture) to those who are not habitual consumers, but to produce that effect in habitual consumers, admixture of dhatura or such like is, I believe, resorted to. - Answer No 29, Army
43. No. 51. A bad character usually developed by habitually consuming any of these drugs excessively. Insulting quarrels would be the general crime. 53. It does excite when excessively indulged in to unpremeditated crime of either violence or otherwise. No, not aware of any case of homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. Yes, they do. Complete stupefaction will not be induced by the drug alone. - Answer No 30, Army
43. Generally speaking they may be regarded as such. 51. Yes. The users of these drugs are driven to lose their judgment and discretion upon the slightest or no provocation, but I have had no such example. 53. It does in most cases incite the worst traits of character and disposition. Its excessive use will tend to create frenzy, but happily none has ever occurred in the regiment. 54. Generally speaking it is not so used, but its effect is liable to lead to offences of the kind referred to. 55. Yes, in many cases that may occur. Yes, it may. Admixture may intensify the stupefaction, but its immoderate use may all the same stupefy the faculties - Answer No 31, Army
43. The moderate consumers of these drugs are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Large proportion of bad characters generally smoke ganja and charas and drink bhang to excess. 53. The excess smoking of ganja or charas might incite to some unpremeditated violent crime sometimes in their influence. No, we have no case of homicide yet. 54. Those who are in the habit of smoking ganja and charas as a matter of course would fortify themselves by smoking to commit a premeditated act of violence before executing their design, but not those who are not in the habit of smoking ganja and charas. They might get stupefied if they do, and would not be able to put their design into execution. 55. Yes, some persons if they get a chance induce their victim to partake or smoke some of these drugs to stupefy him before putting their diabolical design into execution. Yes, a man who has never taken any of these drugs would be stupefied by drinking or smoking them for the first time. - Answer No 32, Army
43. Perfectly so. 51. No. None. 53. There is no evidence in this corps of any such tendency. No. 54. No, as a rule the reverse. It is taken to procure repose and pleasant -exhilaration. 55. Bhang alone can produce sufficient stupefaction for such a purpose. As a rule, dhatura is mixed with one or other of these preparations for the purpose of drugging the victim. - Answer No 33, Army
43. Yes. 51. This is not a question upon which I can give an answer based on any valid information; the general opinion appears to be that as these drugs have an enervating effect on their consumers, the use of them is inconsistent with the interests of bad characters resorting to crimes of violence, etc. 53. No to both queries. 54. No. 55. It is quite feasible for designing persons to produce such an amount of intoxication in their victims as to facilitate the perpetration of crime. Complete stupefaction can be induced - Answer No 34, Army
43. Yes. 51. Compared to the general population, yes. I do not think there is any causal relation. 53. Excessive indulgence in all these drugs, specially ganja and charas, leads to impairment of the moral faculties; habitual ganja-smokers, specially if they indulge in it largely, have the reputation of hot and hasty tempers. Beyond what can be inferred from the above, I do not think there is any special tendency towards the commission of any crime. No. 54. No. 55. Yes. Yes. - Answer No 36, Army
43. To my knowledge moderate consumers are not found to be offensive to their neighbours. 51. There are not many habitual consumers of the drugs ganja and bhang serving under my command, as is' shown in the Form B; but hitherto I have not found any bad character among them. On the contrary there are some good and exemplary men, 53. The excessive indulgence of ganja and bhang does not seem to incite to unpremeditated crime, nor to lead one to temporary homicidal frenzy; on the contrary, from what I hear, it incapacitates him from doing any action whether violent or otherwise, and he lies helpless. 54. I have not come across any case in which a person has fortified himself with either ganja or bhang to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. It is possible to stupefy one's victim by means of ganja or bhang in order to commit any crime either on his (victim's) person or property, but to my knowledge no such case has hitherto occurred. Complete stupefaction can be induced by either of these drugs, without any admixture, on nonconsumers. Habitual consumers, from what I hear, will not easily permit it on themselves. - Answer No 39, Army
43. They are. 51. There is such an utter absence of crime amongst Gurkhas, who, as I have said, with very few exceptions, do not indulge in narcotics, that I could not say to what extent our bad characters are affected. My Subadar Major sums up by saying that the constant use of these drugs rather tends to unnerve a man, which is only to be expected. 53. No. I do not think so, but ganja and bhang, I believe, might have such a tendency. I have never known a case in this regiment which could be attributed to indulgence in any exciting drugs. 54. Gurkhas assuredly require no Dutch courage; if a man has made up his mind to commit a violent crime, he would more likely do so on the spur of the moment. I do not say this is absolutely the case at all times; but my experience is happily most limited on this point. 55. No. Certainly not. Stupefaction could doubtless be produced by an overdose of any narcotic, or a state closely resembling it. - - Answer No 41, Army
43. Not as a rule. 51. It is said that habitual consumers are prone to crime; they become careless and demoralised by its use and are improvident, and become poor and debased. 53. Excessive indulgence does lead to crime. Lately a case occurred in the 36th Sikhs: a man known by the nickname of bhangor—from being addicted to bhang—shot his friend and shot at any one who approached, and eventually shot himself. 54. Yes, it is thought so. 55. Yes, it is the custom to administer these drugs, which, if given in sufficient quantity, produce complete insensibility. - Answer No 42, Army
51. (i) Bad characters do take it, and it produces crime. (ii) Yes. Is connected with crime. (iii) and (iv) Not known. 53. (i) Yes. Certainly. (ii) and (iii) Yes. (iv) Not known. (i) No special case known. (ii) No case actually known. (iii) Remembers at Kirkee quarrels at religious festivals (from bhang), but no one actually killed. 54. (i) Yes. (ii) Yes, those who are in the habit would. (iii) No experience. (iv) Not known. 55. (i) and (ii) Yes. (iii) and (iv) Not known. (i) Yes. (ii) They can be quite stupefied. - Answer No 43, Army
43. Yes. 51. No experiences of this in regiment; bad characters in towns and cities are often habitual consumers. 53. Probably leads to crime, such as causing a man to run "amuck." Have seen no such case myself. 54. Yes, they are said to be so used at times by bad characters, fanatics, etc. 55. Yes, chiefly down country, but it is doubtful if complete stupefaction would be induced without admixture of dhatura, etc. - Answer No 44, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. No connection, judging by the consumption in this regiment. 53. Excessive indulgence in these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime, because consumer usually becomes so very quickly insensible No case is known where consumption has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not consumed with a view to fortifying a man to commit violence or crime. 55. Ganja and charas are given so as to cause recipients to become stupefied. Complete stupefaction can be obtained by above two drugs without admixture. - Answer No 45, Army
43. Yes. 51. Bad characters often use these drugs. It makes men drunk; but does not produce crime like rum or spirits. The man becomes senseless or else he talks nonsense and behaves like an idiot. 53. Not as far as I know. I do not know of any case in this regiment for the last 20 years. 54. Yes; some persons do. 55. Yes; they sometimes induce their victims to take the drug. Bhang produces intoxication after an hour. Charas and ganja almost immediately. - Answer No 46, Army
43. So far as I can ascertain, they are so. 51. I have not observed any connection between crime and drug-eating. Bad characters as a rule are men who haunt the bazars and brothels and doubtless indulge themselves in drugs or other intoxicants that come in their way. 53. Not that I am aware of. No. 54. They do not seem to be considered in the light of excitants in the sense of giving Dutch courage, but seem to stupefy rather than stimulate. 55. Yes. The Thugs were said to use these drugs for this purpose. - Answer No 47, Army
43. Yes. 51. The men are not of bad character, nor does the use of the drug in moderation appear to lead to crime. 53. None of these cases have come under my notice. 54. I am informed that they may be so used. 55. (a) Same answer as 54. (b) I am informed, not. - Answer No 50, Army
43. Quite, except that the smell of charas and ganja when smoked is extremely offensive. 51. I think not: consumers of charas and ganja are generally too emaciated to commit crimes of violence and too stupid to commit others. Bhang, as I have stated, would not have any effect on such characters. 53. I do not think so. I do not. 54. I think not, for reasons already given. 55. I believe they do, but having no experience cannot say for certain. Yes, any of these drugs will produce complete stupefaction if taken in sufficient quantities-a statement which applies to beer, wine and spirits. - Answer No 53, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. 53. No. No. 54. No. 55. No instance known. - Answer No 54, Army
43. No. 51. No. None. 53. No. No. 54. Yes, and then taken to excess. 55. No. - Answer No 55, Army
43. This depends on the temperament of the individual. In some cases moderate consumers are apt to become quarrelsome. 51. There is no connection noticeable between the use of the drug and the commission of crime of any character. 53. No. This has not been observed. 54. It has not been noticed that this is so. 55. It is not believed that is so. Complete stupefaction may very possibly be effected by the drug. - Answer No 58, Army
43. Yes; perfectly so. The effect of the drugs is to stupefy, and not to make the consumer lively or violent. 51. No; habitual consumers are not generally regarded as bad characters per se, but, on the other hand, it goes against a man to be known as a ganja consumer. Consumption of these drugs is not connected with crime in general or any crime of special character. 53. No; it has a deadening effect on the intellect and tends to oblivion rather than incites to violence. I know of no such case. 54. I have never come across a case of this sort. 55. Yes; no doubt such cases do occur, as it is quite feasible to stupefy a victim by inducing him to partake of ganja, etc., under the guise of friendship or hospitality. Yes; complete stupefaction can be thus induced - Answer No 59, Army
43. Yes. 51. A large proportion of the habitual consumers in the regiment are considered bad characters, because they are always slack in their duties and ready to commit a crime, even to obtain money whereby to purchase these drugs to satisfy their cravings. 53. No, in both cases. 54. No, not to my knowledge. 55. (1) No, never heard of a case. (2) A man who has never taken any drug becomes absolutely incapable of doing anything. After consuming a small quantity his great desire is to lie down and sleep. - Answer No 60, Army
43. No; they are very objectionable and pick quarrels on all occasions with their neighbour. 51. A large proportion of bad characters use these drugs. Gamblers use them. Murders are often committed by persons under the influence of these drugs without any provocation. 53. Yes; ganja and charas incite to violent crime. Bhang does not; the consumer becomes indolent and lazy. They never wish to destroy themselves; they seek to destroy others. 54. No. 55. Yes, to both parts of this question. These questions have been answered from information got from native ranks. The regiment being a Jat regiment who use tobacco to excess almost, the hemp drugs are not used, except by the few followers mentioned. - Answer No 61, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. 53. It makes a man talkative, argumentative, and sometimes insubordinate. 54 and 55. I cannot say. - Answer No 65, Army
43. Yes, their neighbours very often do not know of their habit. 51. In the regiment they are as well-behaved as the other men. 53. No case of excessive indulgence in any of these drugs has come under my observation. No. 54. Not that I know of or can ascertain. 55. These drugs are rarely used for this purpose; but I have heard of an instance in which a child was drugged with bhang in order to rob it of its ornaments. Yes, especially in those not habituated to its use. - Answer No 67, Army
43. Quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. As a rule the men who use the drug are bad characters, that is to say, men who smoke ganja or charas, but it does not seem to have any connection with crime itself or to be any incentive to it. That is to say, a bad character who takes to smoking ganja does not seem to be made any the worse character by it. 53. No. of this regiment, an excessive consumer of the drug, was admitted to hospital temporarily insane from reputed excessive consumption. He was treated in the Madras Hospital, and when discharged as cured and sent to rejoin his regiment in Burma he fell over board and was drowned: whether it was accident or whether he committed suicide I cannot say. 54. No. 55. Not used. A man could be made completely intoxicated by the use of the drug - Answer No 68, Army
43. Perfectly so. 51. No bad characters here. No doubt occasionally gives occasion to the military crime of sentries and men on duty being found asleep on their posts. 53. Certainly, as in the case of whiskey, etc. No. 54. Not to my personal knowledge. 55. Opium and dhatura are said to be chiefly employed for such purposes. A full dose of 2 or 3 grains of extract of Cannabis indica (or its equivalent of any of the preparations of hemp) will produce complete insensibility and somnolence, lasting for hours after the initial period of excitement is over. - Answer No 69, Army
43. Absolutely. 51. No. None. 53. No. No. 54. No. 55. There is no crime. - Answer No 71, Army
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive. 51. (a) This does not appear to be always the case. (b) Crime is often attributable to its use, especially insubordination, assault, suicide and homicide. 53. Yes, I think so. I am of opinion that a man under the influence of these drugs is incited to acts of crime which were not premeditated. In 1882 at Poona a sepoy of the regiment who had been punished for a minor offence took his rifle and ammunition, went to the Colonel's home with the object of shooting him. He fired several times, killing a syce. In 1886 at Suakim a man of the regiment committed suicide; there was no apparent motive for his doing so. Both these men were Hindus of Hindustan (Pardesis) and were habitual ganjasmokers. 54. I think so. 55. (a) This is not known. (b) Not complete stupefaction. - Answer No 72, Army
43. Moderate consumers, if they existed, would be inoffensive excepting that it is urged that the habit is generally communicated. I mean a man will not be content to take the drug alone but will induce others to join him. 51. Yes, it is chiefly bad characters, such as bazar loafers and especially gamblers, who are consumers as well as fakirs (see 28 and 44). Prostitutes are not addicted to the use nor would thieves be, for obvious reasons. The people I questioned seemed to think there was no connection between it and crime. Habitual consumers sit or even stand or sleep in a stupefied sort of way, noticing nothing and doing nothing. 53. No, they think not, for reasons given in the previous reply. One man I questioned knew of two cases of homicide committed by men drunk or stupefied with this drug. 54. No, unlike our wines and spirits in this respect. 55. Undoubtedly. At Amritsar this form of crime prevails, and one native officer had himself almost fallen a victim. The practice is to offer it mixed in sweetmeats. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the plain drug, but it seems that the effects are slower; and of course, from the fact that the taste is unpleasant, it is seldom or never administered plain - Answer No 73, Army
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are apparently inoffensive to their neighbours, but those of charas and ganja are considered a great nuisance, the smell of both these drugs when smoked being most offensive. 51. It is believed that habitual use leads to a craving which must be gratified, and that if other means fail to obtain the drug, gambling and stealing are resorted to. 53. No case known. 54. It is not known. 55. It appears that the simple administration of these drugs does not produce complete stupefaction. - Answer No 74, Army
43. They have a very unpleasant smell, but are otherwise inoffensive. 51. There are not sufficient data in the regiment on which to give an opinion. It is, however, believed that ganja or charas-smoking in excess does incite to violence. 53. Yes, it is believed that excessive indulgence in the smoking of ganja or charas might incite to crime otherwise unpremeditated. No case is known of in this regiment. 54. This might be the case, but no certain information on this point is available. 55. In some cases this would very probably be done, but no such case has been known. By smoking ganja and charas complete stupefaction can be induced - Answer No 75, Army
43. Yes, but non-consumers find the odour of the charas or ganja smoke objectionable. 51. Not that I am aware of: smokers of charas and ganja (Muhammadans) are looked upon as low class persons. No connection with crime. Consumers of charas and ganja are not, as a rule, smart soldiers— generally slack. 53. No experience. 54. Not as far as I am aware of. 55. No experience. Stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture. - Answer No 76, Army
43. Yes. 51. Not known. Said to have no connection with crime, but I rather doubt this assertion. 53. Said not to incite. No. 54. Said to produce timidity rather than courage to commit violence. 55. Said to be used for this purpose. - Answer No 78, Army
43. Yes; judging from the men in the regiment, who are only moderate consumers. 51. No. As far as this regiment is concerned, the use of these drugs has no connection with crime in general or crime of any special character. 53. Not within my experience of nearly thirty years' service, but I think it extremely probable that it would do so. I know of no such case. 54. Not as far as I am aware from my own experience and that of native officers of experience who have been consulted. 55. I have heard and read of such cases, but not in the regiment. Yes - Answer No 81, Army
43. No; they are inclined to be quarrelsome if disturbed when under the influence of the drug. 51. Yes; among Pathans, a large proportion of bad characters are said to habitually smoke charas. As far as I can learn, charas-smoking only produces sleepy intoxication. 53. (a) No; not for habitual consumers. (b) No. 54. Used by Pathans, before a fight. 55. (a) Yes. (b) Complete stupefaction is induced, when used by men unaccustomed to charas. - Answer No 82, Army
43. Quite inoffensive. 51. I cannot speak from experience on this point. Nor can I obtain any reliable information on the point. 53. On this point also I cannot speak, no case of the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs having come under my notice. 54. I cannot say. 55. I am unable to stat - Answer No 83, Army
43. Apparently so. 51. Not in the regiment. Not known. 53. (1) I have had no experience of the effects of these drugs in connection with crime. (2) I know of no such case. 54. It is generally believed that such is the case, but no case has come under my observation. 55. (1) Not known. (2) Complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug without admixture, so far as is known - - Answer No 85, Army
43. Yes, they are inoffensive to their neighbours; are quiet and do not interfere with anybody. 51. (a) No. (b) No connection with crime in general nor with any crime of any special character. 53. (a) and (b) No. 54. There has been no experience of this in the regiment, but it is believed that the drug is used by persons to fortify themselves to commit crimes or acts of premeditated violence. But the habitual ganja-smoker would be less likely to commit acts of premeditated violence than a man who did not smoke, as he is lacking in energy. 55. Yes, in some cases complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug itself without admixture. - Answer No 86, Army
43. I have not noticed this, nor, as far as I can find, has any case arisen causing offence. 51. I have no experience of this, though it is natural to suppose bad characters cultivate bad habits and that bad habits of this kind would lead a man to commit crime 53. Yes. I should say it did: I know of no case, however. 54. I know of no case to prove this. 55 I am told that extract of bhang is so used and that complete stupefaction can thus be induced. - Answer No 88, Army
43. Yes. 51. Yes, probably of ganja or charas, but not bhang. I do not think their use has any connection with crime in general or in particular. Most probably the majority of violent crimes would be committed by persons who are consumers of other spirituous liquors but not bhang. 53. I do not think so. A man under the influence of ganja would be more quarrelsome and inclined to violence and might lose control over himself and commit violence. 54. No, not usually. Ganja may be used occasionally by an habitual consumer. 55. Yes, occasionally, though not often. Ganja would be usually given as being easily administered and requiring no preparation such as pounding and mixing with other ingredients. Complete stupefaction cannot be caused without admixture. The seed of the dhatura plant is usually mixed for this purpose with bhang. - Answer No 91, Army
43. No. 53. Yes. My bearer when drunk with charas was locked up in his own house by the other servants. He broke out and got and loaded my express rifle, swearing he would have my blood. We shikarred him through the compound and he eventually blew his own head off. This occurred at Deesa while I was a Captain in — Regiment. 54. Not that I know of. 55. I cannot say. - Answer No 94, Army
43. Moderate consumers may be harmless to their neighbours; but a neighbour who is known as a ganja or charas-smoker, or a bhang-drinker is, as a rule, to be avoided, as he is generally quarrelsome or frequently reduced by want to dishonesty. 51. No. Some of the worst characters in the regiment are in the band, and none of them consume the drug. However, the use of bhang and other preparations of hemp is frequently the cause of crime. Lately it has been in the regiment the cause of an attempt at suicide. Excessive indulgence is known to produce homicidal or suicidal mania. 53. Yes. See answer 51. We know of no case of homicidal frenzy in the regiment, but a sepoy who lately shot himself while on sentry was an habitual consumer and there was no known motive for his attempt. 54. Yes, the drug is said to be used for this purpose. 55. Yes, it is said that the drug has been so used, but we believe that complete stupefaction is induced by admixture with opium or dhatura seeds, and administered in sweetmeats. - Answer No 96, Army
43. Inoffensive. 53. Yes, those who drink ganja and charas, but not those who drink bhang. Two men of the regiment at-after drinking ganja killed five men. 54. Yes, vide above, last paragraph. 55. Yes, to both. A fresh man could be made insensible by either unmixed with anything else; but for an old hand it has to be mixed with sugar and other ingredients. - Answer No 97, Army
43. Yes. 51. They are largely consumed among the criminal classes. 53. Not necessarily so; occasionally it may act in this manner. 54. Not in my experience, but it is believed that the uses of these drugs for the purposes of act of violence are resorted to amongst certain classes. 55. If they did, the effect would be much less than if a strong narcotic was use - Answer No 99, Army
43. Bhang-consumers are not troublesome to their neighbours. 51. Yes. Chiefly men of indifferent character take ganja and charas; also habitual consumers of bhang are generally a bad lot. They all tend to decrease a man's self-respect. The effect of ganja and charas is to excite the brain and it often incites a man to commit violent assaults on superior officers and others, also to commit murders: for instance, a man checked by a non-commissioned officer for some small offence, if a ganja or charas-smoker, is apt to brood over it and magnify it, and this in the old days, when sepoys had easy access to their ammunition, often led to their shooting their native and non-commissioned officers; any one known to smoke ganja or charas has very little chance of advancement in this corps. 53. Yes. Yes, several. 54. Yes. I think so. 55. Yes. Mixed in food. - Answer No 100, Army
43. They appear to be inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Yes, a large proportion. It has generally ranspired that before a man runs amuck he has indulged in excess to charas-smoking. 53. Yes, occasionally. In 1889 there was a case in the battalion. 54. I do not think so. 55. I do not think so. - Answer No 102, Army
43. Generally inoffensive. 51. Habitual consumers are bad characters. From my own experience I can name one case only—that of a very smart Havildar, a Hindustani in another regiment, going utterly to the bad in twelve months, entirely from the use of bhang. 53. Yes. I do not know of any such case. 54 and 55. Yes. - Answer No 103, Army
43. My experience is that they are mostly quarrelsome. 51. There are not at present any habitual consumers in the regiment, but a large proportion of bad characters have been consumers of bhang Several men who were noted for violence and quarrelsomeness were consumers, and therefore I consider there is some connection between bhang and criminal violence. 53. Vide answer to No. 51. I have known (but not in this regiment) two cases of homicidal frenzy said to be produced by bhang. 54. No, because the effect is stupefying; spirits are said to be preferred for this purpose. 55. Yes, in the Punjab. Yes. - Answer No 104, Army
43. Inoffensive. 51. No. The use of this drug (ganja) has no connection with crime generally or specially. 53. No. No. 54. No. 55. No case known. Complete stupefaction can be induced. - Answer No 108, Army
43. Moderate consumers of bhang are inoffensive to their neighbours, but those who indulge in ganja and charas-smoking are apt to be quarrelsome. 51. Bad characters invariably smoke charas and ganja. I do not know. 53 and 54. No. 55. No; dhatura is almost always used for this. Non-smokers get stupefied by smoking charas or ganja. - Answer No 110, Army
43. Probably so. 51. I should think this matter could be elucidated by the Police force. 53. Very likely. No. I do not. 54. I never came across any person working himself up to a premeditated crime. 55. Again I have no intimate experience of criminals nor any means of studying their ways. - Answer No 112, Army
43. Yes. 51. There is very little crime in the native army. None traceable to these drugs. 53. No. 54. Immoderate use has, like alcohol, different effect on various people: some become stupid, others excited, etc. The latter class may commit crime whilst under its effects. 55. No, the effect is not complete enough. A very large quantity would have to be administered unless mixed with some more powerful narcotic - Answer No 113, Army
43. Moderate consumers are apt to get intoxicated and to do violence to their neighbours. There have been undoubted cases of this. 51. I cannot tell proportions, but the chances are that a consumer of any of these drugs will be a more or less unreliable, if not bad character. 53. It is generally supposed to have a tendency to create sudden anger and its consequences. I do not know of a case in the regiment, but a native officer tells me of a murder from this cause; also of a quarrel where one man laid another's head open with a stick, inflicting a severe wound, done under the influence of bhang. 54. No. I am told a man under their influence would usually not have sufficient sense to carry out the crime properly. 55. This is said to be very common, the drugs being administered without the knowledge of the victim. The victim can be reduced to complete stupefaction. Several instances of this being carried out or attempted are told me. I consider the use of any of these drugs noxious in the extreme, and in accordance with regimental standing orders it is always punished in this regiment when discovered. None of these remarks refer to opium, which I have excluded from this enquiry - Answer No 115, Army
43. Of ganja and charas, yes. Of bhang, they are avoided by non-smokers. They are all considered liable to be irritable when they do not get the drugs. 51. (1) No. (2) None observable. Consumers do not necessarily have bad characters, though they are less reliable and more likely to be irritable and insubordinate than non-consumers. 53. Not known. 54. If a man cannot get spirits or bhang, he uses large doses of ganja or charas to fortify himself to commit an act of violence. 55. (1) It is said commonly that high way robberies are commited on travellers drugged by an accomplice with these drugs. It is said to have been done in the battery on one occasion some twelve years ago, but no recent instance (2) Yes - Answer No 116, Army
43. I think so. 51. This cannot be replied to, as we have no knowledge of the criminal classes. 53. Only one case on record: a sepoy of the regiment ran amuck in 1887 at Yamethin in Upper Burma: he was a known ganja-smoker, though never caught in the act. Ganja, I believe, was found in a parcel sent to him from India, and after he was shot down, a large quantity of majum was found in his kit-bag. This was the only instance I know, and fairly proves that excessive indulgence in hemp incited unpremeditated crime. 54. No case on record, though I am certain that it is done by men to give themselves a sort of Dutch courage. 55. This cannot be stated - Answer No 117, Army
43. Considered unnecessary by those who do not consume these drugs, and to certain people undoubtedly offensive. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers, because the intellect being deadened, they have not the energy to do right, when it is more difficult than to do wrong. Such men as a rule are of loose morals, 53. (l) Undoubtedly. (2) No. 54. Not known. 55. (1) Not known. (2) Yes, for a short time. - Answer No 119, Army
43. Yes. 51. Most of the habitual consumers are not good characters. The offences in connection are not civil crimes, but military, such as slackness on duty and so forth. 53. No. No. 54. Yes, in some cases. 55. Yes, in some cases. Complete stupefaction can be induced by overindulgence. - Answer No 121, Army
43. Quite inoffensive. 51. They say that fakirs and gypsies indulge largely in these drugs. The chief reason given was to prevent them feeling scarcity of food. 53. Not that I know of. 54. The native officers to whom I have referred say it is not used in this way. 55. I do not know. - Answer No 122, Army
43. It is difficult to say. So little is used in this battery that intoxication never ensues; the consumers therefore are quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The men in this battery use these drugs to so small an extent that it is impossible for their characters to be affected by them. 53. I have had no experience of excessive indulgence. No. 54. No. 55. I am of opinion that if these drugs were given in excess, complete stupefaction would ensue. No such case, however, has ever come under my personal observation. - Answer No 125, Army
43. Yes. 51. They are largely consumed among the criminal classes. 53. Not necessarily so; occasionally it may act in this manner. 54. Not in my experience, but it is believed that the uses of these drugs for the purposes of acts of violence are resorted to amongst certain classes. 55. If they did, the effect would be much less than if a strong narcotic was used. - Answer No 127, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. No connection. 53. Have not seen any cases in this regiment. No. 54. Ganja might be used for this; bhang makes cowardice and trembling. 55. No evidence. - Answer No 128, Army
43. Yes. 51. (i) Not in the regiment. (ii) Absence without leave and desertion are often said by the native soldier to be in consequence of his having become insensible and wandered off somewhere, till perhaps days after he came to his senses again, and found himself in a strange place. I should say this state might be induced by the consumption of these drugs. 53. (i) Not in my experience. (ii) No. 54. No. I have never met with a case in any regiment that I have served in. 55. Have never met with such a case during my service. - Answer No 133, Army
43. No. 51. About 25 per. cent. The use has apparently no connection with crime in general or specially. 53. No. 54. There does not appear to be any such custom. 55. Not in its prime state: if used for this purpose, dhatura is mixed with it. No. - Answer No 135, Army
43. Yes, apparently so. 51. I cannot say for certain. The use of these drugs would undoubtedly predis¬ pose to acts of violence if the dose were regulated with this result in view. Generally the use of these drugs would weaken self-control, favour illusions and distort the moral perceptions. 53. Probably. I know of no cases of the nature described. 54. Yes, the dose being regulated with the object in view. 55. Yes, this is a common practice among criminals. Complete stupefaction can be so induced. - Answer No 137, Army
43. Yes. 51. Yes. Tends to the commission of crime in a state of temporary insanity, which is of a homicidal nature, as the nerves are specially excited and fortified. 53. Yes. No. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, I believe so. - Answer No 138, Army
43. Even moderate consumers, after they have been accustomed to take the drug habitually, are apt to become offensive and abusive to their neighbours. 51. The use of these drugs has a tendency to make a man insubordinate and quarrelsome, and gradually leads him on, unless he is checked in his downward course, to commit offences of the gravest nature. I do not know whether any large pro¬ portion of bad characters are habitual consumers of any of these drugs, but the probabilities are that a large proportion of bad characters could trace their first step in crime to the use of the drug. 53. In some cases it certainly does so. I know a case which occurred less than a year ago in the Kurram Valley, in which it led to temporary homi¬ cidal frenzy. This case did not actually occur in the regiment, but I know of some cases which have occurred in the regiment in previous years, which have led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Opinions seem to differ on this point. 55. Yes, more especially by means of "majum," the narcotic product of the hemp plant, which would generally be given to the victim mixed with sweet¬ meats. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug in this form without admixture, as also by the drug in the form of ganja, charas, or bhang. Personally I know very little of these drugs. The above replies have been compiled from en¬ quiries amongst all ranks and classes of the regiment. - Answer No 140, Army
43. Ganja and charas-smokers are occasionally offensive; moderate consumers of bhang are not. 51. Bad. characters are often habitual consumers of ganja and charas. I cannot state its connection with crime. 53. No. 54. Charas is said to be sometimes used, but not bhang, which is said to make a man nervous. 55. Ganja and charas are said to be used to stupefy intended victims. Stupefaction could be caused without admixture, but they are generally mixed with tobacco. Majum is also said to be used occasionally mix¬ ed with sweetmeats. - Answer No 141, Army
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Yes, a large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of these drugs. The consumption in large quantities induces to commit crime in general, but not of a special character. 53. The excessive indulgence in these drugs does, I believe, incite to unpremeditated crime, but I cannot quote any particular case where it has led to homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are used by persons to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence. 55. Persons intending to commit crime, in order to further their designs, do induce their victims to partake of a large quantity of any of these drugs; a complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug without admixture. - Answer No 142, Army
43. Moderate consumers are perfectly inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. An habitual ganja-consumer is usually considered a bad character. 53. Yes, at times. I know of no case in question. 54. I have heard so. They smoke ganja or drink bhang. 55. Not known. - Answer No 143, Army
48. Yes, they are inoffensive. 51. Bad characters often are consumers of ganja, but the consumption of it is believed to have no connection with crime of any special character. 53. Ganja might do so, but no special case is known. 54. Ganja is used for this purpose. 55. Bhang could be used for this purpose, but not ganja. Bhang can complete stupefaction by itself with¬ out admixture. - Answer No 145, Army
43. No. 51 No, not that can be traced. None with any special crime. 53. No, with the exception of bhang. No. 54. Yes, in the same way as a man might drink spirits. 55. Yes. Yes, complete stupefaction if not accustomed to it - Answer No 147, Army
43. Yes. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of these drugs. It has, however; no connection with crimes in general or with crime of any special character. 53, 54 and 55. No. - Answer No 152, Army
43. Yes. 51. Yes, a large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of charas and ganja. They are generally thieves and pickpockets. 53, 54 and 55. No. - Answer No 153, Army
51. I do not know. 53. Am informed it has not this effect. No. 54. Am informed the use would not fortify them to commit a crime (premeditated). 55. Have heard that persons have been thus stupefied with some kind of drug of the nature of ganja, and have heard that the drug then ad¬ ministered was a mixture. - Answer No 156, Army
43. Yes. Apparently so. 51. One generally suspects a slovenly and indifferent soldier of using bhang or ganja, much in the same way I fancy that most of the crime amongst British soldiers is the accompaniment if not actually the result of drink. I have never met a case in which one could say the use of these drugs was the cause of the crime. Apparently when a native wishes to run "amuck" he primes himself for the occasion, but it does not follow that he had been an habitual consumer. 53. I do not know, nor does the Medical Officer, of any; but indulgence to excess in any intoxicant is liable to make a man violent, and if then angered he may commit violent and quite unpremeditated crime. 54. It appears so, though I have never myself seen any such case. 55. (a) This is a question that might well be referred to the police. (b) Yes. Therefore it is reasonable to suppose that the reply to (a) of this question is also yes, but I have no experience myself. - Answer No 159, Army
51. I am not aware that the proportion of bad characters who use these drugs is large. But the immoderate use of these drugs usually incites men to acts of insubordination and violence. 53. The excessive use of these drugs does in my opinion incite to unpremeditated crime. Nearly twenty years ago, I know a man in the regiment incited by the use of ganja to a temporary homi¬ cidal frenzy 54. I believe these drugs to be so used. 55. I am not aware of any such case, nor do I think that complete stupefaction can be produced by the use of the drugs without admixture. - Answer No 161, Army
43. Moderate consumers are as a rule quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. I am not aware that the proportion of bad characters who use these drugs is large. But the immoderate use of these drugs usually incites men to acts of insubordination and violence. 53. The excessive use of these drugs does in my opinion incite to unpremeditated crime. Nearly twenty years ago, I know a man in the regiment incited by the use of ganja to a temporary homi¬ cidal frenzy 54. I believe these drugs to be so used. 55. I am not aware of any such case, nor do I think that complete stupefaction can be produced by the use of the drugs without admixture. - Answer No 162, Army
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Yes, a large proportion of the consumers of these drugs are bad characters. The consumption of charas and ganja makes men inclined to be riotous. Those who consume bhang are often careless in the performance of their duties. 53. The excessive indulgence in any of these drugs incites unpremeditated crime and often causes insanity. 54. They use charas and ganja to fortify them¬ selves to commit acts of violence. The consumers of bhang are always lazy. 55. They do not induce their victims to partake of any of these drugs. Complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug without admixture. - Answer No 163, Army
43. Moderate consumers except smokers are in¬ offensive to their neighbours. Smokers become violent, uproarious and aggressive, ready to pick quarrels and take offence. 51. A large proportion of bad characters are habitual consumers of these drugs. The use of it fortifies to the committal of a crime, and the want of it to those who cannot provide themselves with it, to theft, to enable them to procure it. The use of it drives to crimes of theft and violence of a homicidal nature if goaded on or if a thought arises that wrong must be avenged. 53. It is said to do so. I know no case. 54. Sometimes. 55. Yes. - Answer No 167, Army
43. Moderate consumers are not inoffensive. 51. It cannot be ascertained that any large pro¬ portion of bad characters are habitual consumers of these drugs. Nor have they any connection with crime. 53. A man unaccustomed to these drugs might be incited to violence by excessive indulgence, but the habitual consumer would not be. No case of temporary homicidal frenzy is known. 54. No. 55. Yes, this is occasionally done. Complete stupefaction can be produced on a person unaccustomed to the drugs, but dhatura is often used to strengthen them. - Answer No 169, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. No connection with crime of any character in this regiment. 53. No excessive indulgence. No crime owing to consumption of these drugs in this regiment for thirty years. 54. See answer 53. 55. Not known in the regiment, but no doubt is practised. Ganja or charas cannot be smoked without mixing with tobacco. - Answer No 170, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. The effects are said to be soothing and not exciting. 53. Excessive indulgence stupefies. No. 54. No, but mixed with dhatura, it produces frenzy. 55. No cases are known. When taken in considerable quantities it pro¬ duces unconsciousness. - Answer No 171, Army
43. Yes. 51. (a) No. (b) None. 53. The excessive indulgence in these drugs does not incite to unpremeditated crime, nor do I know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. No, but complete stupefaction can be induced by ganja or bhang without admixture. I do not refer to charas, as it is not used by any in the regiment, nor are its effects understood - Answer No 173, Army
43. Moderate consumers are not as a rule offensive. 51. Yes, it inclines to crime. If a man wishes to commit a crime, he, as a rule, intoxicates him¬ self with a drug preparatory to committing it. 53. Certainly excessive indulgence would have this effect, as a man's head is filled with a thousand thoughts and ideas after consumption of these drugs. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, this is frequently done. Yes, but as a rule majum is given. - Answer No 174, Army
51. It is impossible, in the absence of any evidence, to answer this question. 53. There being no evidence forthcoming, no opinion can be formed by me. I do not know of any cases in this regiment, but I have often heard that excessive indulgence does lead to crime, and also tends to homicidal frenzy. 54. This I have also heard is the case, but we have no experience here to prove the truth or otherwise of this theory. 55. During a long residence in India I have often heard and read of such cases, but cannot bring any forward in proof or corroboration of the same from personal experience in the regiment under my command. - Answer No 175, Army
43. No; because if deprived of the stimulant they would become morose and quarrelsome for want of it, and if unable to get it owing to poverty, would probably steal from their neighbours anything saleable and thus afford the requisite means. 51. (1) Yes as a rule. (2) None with crime in general, but it is especially used when men meditate crimes of bloodshed and violence. 53. (1) It does. (2) No personal experience of such, but have read cases reported in the newspapers. 54. See second reply to question. 51. 55. Yes. sometimes to partially stupefy them, but generally mixed with "dhatura." Complete stupefaction cannot be induced without admixture with other drugs (so the native officers say). - Answer No 176, Army
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive, and no notice, outside the regiment, would be taken of the fact of their being consumers 51. The first portion of this question cannot be replied to from information at my disposal. The use of the drug appears to have no connection with crime in any way: it tends to induce cowardice, which would be against the committing of such crime as theft, murder, assault. I know of a case of a pensioned sepoy violently assauting another man with stones while under the influence of charas. He was under the mis¬ taken impression that the other man wished to kill him. 53. A confirmed charas-drinker, when deprived of the drug, is easily roused to acts of violence. Indulgence in charas-smoking is said to deaden all moral sense. About fourteen years ago a murder was committed by an Afridi sepoy in the regiment without apparently any great provocation. The man was a charas-smoker. The only other case I know of has been mentioned in my reply to question 54. 54. No. 55. (1) Yes, robberies and other crimes are undoubtedly committed on victims who have pre¬ viously been stupefied with this drug. (2) Yes. - Answer No 177, Army
43. I can neither give nor obtain any definite opinion on this point. 51. I have no experience and can elicit, no opini¬ on. The excessive use of these drugs has the same connection with crime as drink in excess has, and is more lasting in its effects and more violent. 53. I do not know, and am unable to ascertain anything definite. 54. It is believed so. 55. It is believed so. - Answer No 180, Army
43. Nothing has ever been brought to my notice during the 33 years I have been in India. 51. No experience. 53. In large quantities it certainly does have this effect. I cannot call to mind any case of homicidal frenzy, but I have always heard that a man previous to running "amuck" plies himself with bhang. 54. Yes, by fanatics, as noted above. 55. I have heard that dacoits use these drags to stupefy their victims. I am unable to find out anything about the latter portion of the question. - Answer No 181, Army
43. Yes. 51. I do not think so. It makes men lazy and inclined to reply when chided about anything. I know of no connection with crime in this regiment. 53. Yes; a man may become perfectly maddened by the excessive use of bhang, charas or ganja and thus come to commit a crime of which he would never have thought had he remained free from its influence. It is believed to have this effect, but I know of no personal case. 54. No; I think not in the generality of cases, except in the case of "Ghazis." 55. This is not done. Men wishing to do this would employ some other drugs or poison, such as opium or dhatura. No, not unless mixed with some other stupefying drug. I know very little about these drugs myself, never having studied the subject, and the above information has been obtained from my Native officers principally - Answer No 184, Army
43. Entirely. 51. No. No connection. 53. In cases of poisoning by the excessive use of hemp preparations, there is loss of control but more of a cataleptic than a maniacal nature. No case is known to the writer. 54. Only in the same way and not to the same extent as alcoholic liquors among nations addicted to alcohol. 55. No knowledge on this point. - Answer No 185, Army
43. Quite so. 51. Men who smoke charas are often vagrants and bad characters. Has no connection with crime, that I am aware of 53. Not that I am aware of. I know of no case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Not that I am aware of, no case having come under me during my experience in the native army. 55. Not that I am aware of. From enquiry I find that complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug without admixture. - Answer No 188, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. If an habitual consumer cannot, for instance, obtain money to purchase the drug, the want of it may cause him to steal money from his neighbours to obtain it. No crime prevalent in this regiment. 53. No. No cases have ever come under my notice. No. 54. It is presumed to be so generally, but no instances have ever come under my notice tending to prove the correctness or otherwise of this presumption. 55. I can obtain no evidence on this subject, as nothing of the sort has ever occurred in this regiment. - Answer No 189, Army
43. They are inoffensive. 51. Yes. It has no connection with any crime in general or with crime of any special character, except only it deadens their better feelings. 53. No. No. 54. No. 55. No instance has come to my knowledge. - Answer No 190, Army
43. All charas and ganja-smokers are considered offensive, and bhang-drinkers the same if in excess. 51. Habitual and excessive consumers of ganja and charas are generally bad characters. 53. Excessive indulgence leads to thieving, highway robbery, suicide and homicide. No actual case has come within my knowledge: but I know that all the fanatics in Afghanistan were all primed with charas before "running amuck." 54. It is well known that "Ghazis" are well intoxicated with charas before they "run amuck." 55. It is taken to deaden the faculties prior to crime. Complete intoxication can be obtained, and when in such a state, can be fatal to life. - Answer No 191, Army
43. Yes, except ganja-smokers who sometimes, if irritated when under the influence of the drug, become very violent and unmanageable. 51. Those who are addicted to ganja often become bad characters. Often taken intentionally by those intending to commit a crime. 53. Excessive indulgence is apt to deprive a man of all consciousness of his actions, and in some cases might lead to unpremeditated crime. 54. Frequently taken for this purpose. 55. Such cases are frequent. Yes. - Answer No 192, Army
43. Yes. 51. A large proportion of bad characters in this regiment are habitual smokers of this drug. No particular instance of the use of these drugs can be traced as regards crimes; but ganjasmokers, being always under its influence, are very ready to quarrel. 53. In very rare cases excessive smoking leads to unpremeditated crime. No. 54. No. 55. No. Complete stupefaction can be obtained by an excessive use of ganja. - Answer No 195, Army
43. Inoffensive. 51. No. No special connection between habitual crime and drugs so far as I know. 53. Yes, as a rule. No. 54. Premeditated acts of violence are often committed by persons who have fortified them¬ selves with ganja. 55. Yes, but generally mix something else with the bhang or ganja. Complete stupefaction by means of bhang or ganja could only be arrived at by taking excessive doses. - Answer No 196, Army
43. No. 51. In this regiment the smokers or drinkers of bhang are among the respectable men, not among the men of bad character. 53 and 54. No. 55. No. Complete stupefaction can apparently be induced by bhang or ganja unmixed if taken in excess. - Answer No 199, Army
43. So I am given to understand. 51. No. 53. Have read and heard of instances where sepoys have run amuck or revenged an imaginary grievance after premeditation and the use of bhang 54. Occasionally. 55. Am informed that complete stupefaction without admixture is never induced. - Answer No 200, Army
43. The moderate consumers of ganja and charas are offensive to their neighbours. The moderate consumers of bhang are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. All bad characters such as gamblers, thieves, and prostitutes take ganja and charas. The consumption of these is considered to be, to a great extent, the cause of crime, particularly of theft and violence. 53. None of these drugs appear to incite to un¬ premeditated crime. A Ressaldar-Major states that he knew a man who turned ghazi under the influence of charas at Kandahar, but does not know whether he had first determined on his act before he had taken charas. 54. Yes, decidedly. 55. Yes. This is frequently done with ganja and charas. Complete stupefaction can be produced by either ganja, charas or bhang. - Answer No 202, Army
43. Quite so. Personally I believe that natives do not actually distinguish between the various drugs which are sold to them for consumption. Also that the same drug is sold under different names in every Indian bazar, so that natives take the various concoctions actually unconsciously, only knowing that they produce sleep or vitality, or, in fact, enjoyment of some sort. 51. (a) No. (b) None. 53. (a) Quite possible, as is the case, I suppose, with all intoxicants. (b) I knew of a case in Sind some years ago. 54. I cannot say, but such is the general belief. 55. (a) I have no experience, but have read of such cases. (b) I do not know.
43. Certainly. 51. No connection ordinarily between bad character and the consumption of ganja. Partly accountable for violent crime. 53. (a) Yes. (b) I know personally of one case of murder, followed by murderer's suicide, in all probability due to the excessive consumption of ganja. 1 was president of the court of inquest that drew this conclusion. Nearly all my native officers know of murders and attempts at it, attributable to same cause. 54 and 55. Yes. - Answer No 208, Army
43. They are generally inoffensive. 51. Yes, but no statistics are to hand. 53. Yes; presumably in the same way that alcoholic intoxicants do. I personally know of no case of homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes; it is well known that bhang is thus taken when a man is desirous of running "amuck." A case occurred in this regiment before or about 1870 on parade when a man attacked his European officers and was at once cut down by the other men. 55. Yes, this is a well-known fact also. Complete stupefaction can be induced by dangerous doses of the drug without admixture with other narcotics. - Answer No 209, Army
43. They are generally inoffensive. 51. No. It is not supposed to have any con¬ nection with crime in general, or of a special character. 53. It does not incite crime nor violence. I know of no case where it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes. It is sometimes used for this purpose. 55. Yes, it is thus used, and complete stupefaction can be induced by means of a large dose. - Answer No 210, Army
43. Moderate consumers of ganja and charas are apparently harmless. Drinkers of bhang are liable to become intoxi¬ cated and are thus liable to be offensive to their neighbours. 51. No connection in particular is traceable between ganja-smoking and crime in general or crime of any particular character. Four of the 5 men who are ganja-smokers in this regiment have clear defaulter sheets. 53. Not as far as is known to the persons whom I have consulted. No cases of temporary homicidal frenzy from this cause have been known in this regiment. 54. No evidence on this point can be obtained in this regiment. 55. Ganja-smokers do not appear to become so stupefied as not to understand what takes place round them. Complete unconsciousness is said to be not pro¬ ducible by ganja-smoking. No answers can be given to these questions as regards bhang or charas. - Answer No 211, Army
43. Ganja taken even in moderation causes an unpleasant smell. 51. No. None. 53. I know of no case in which the excessive indulgence in any of these drugs has incited to unpremeditated crime, or to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. I understand that bhang has been and is sometimes used by persons to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced by these drugs, but I think that persons intending to commit crime would use other drugs in preference. - Answer No 212, Army
43. Certainly not, any more than a man who drank beer or spirits in moderation or smoked tobacco. 51. No; though a bad character often takes to over-indulgence in these drugs as Western nations take to drink, with the result that they often do and say what they should not.
53. Yes, generally to insubordination; but as far
as I can learn, very seldom to homicidal frenzy. I know of no case. 54. Very seldom in Southern India. 55. I do not think that this drug would be of much use without mixing with opium. An over¬ dose would appear to be instant - Answer No 214, Army
43. Yes. 51. No. No connection appears to be traced with crime. Charas—Induces bravery. Bhang— " depression. 53. Is considered to incite men to revenge. No. 54. Yes. Ganja and charas induce bravery, and in these cases indifference to the punishment following crime, and are said to be used to bring men to the necessary pitch. 55. Sometimes. No. - Answer No 218, Army
43. A man who takes charas is offensive at any time, also chandu, but moderate consumers of bhang or ganja are inoffensive. 51. Most men who have been discharged lately as bad characters have been-known as consumers of ganja. Ganja excites the system and men taking it are liable to break out and commit acts of violence. 53. Ganja appears to be the only drug which incites to crime, as it has the effect of making people quarrelsome. No particular case can be mentioned, but in all cases of men running amuck, they have generally had their wits about them. 54. Ganja may be used, but not the other drugs. 55. Bhang without admixture has the effect of stupefying. One whiff of charas or chandu is enough to stupefy a man at once, and might be used as suggested. - Answer No 219, Army
43. Inoffensive. 51. Yes. Ganja-smokers. No crime, but the military offence of slackness, and inertia. 53. No I know of no case. 54. No. The fact of smoking would render a man inefficient. 55. Possibly. Complete stupefaction, but not in the same way as chloroform. - Answer No 220, Army
43. Moderate consumers of these drugs are offensive to their neighbours, inasmuch as other men also imbibe the habit of using these drugs by the bad influence of their society. 51. Men of bad characters only are not necessarily the habitual consumers of these drugs, the use of which has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs does not necessarily incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, nor there has been any case in the regiments here in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by persons to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the administration of these drugs in sufficient quantity without admixture. Criminals have sometimes been heard to stupefy their victims by the ad¬ ministration of these drugs, and then to accomplish their evil intent. - Answer No 221, Army
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The habitual consumers commit crimes in general. 53. No, not always. No, I am not aware of any case of unpremeditated crime resulting from excessive indulgence in the drugs. 54. I know of no case of a person so premeditat¬ ing an act of violence or other crime, either in general or special, fortifying himself by using these drugs only. 55. No, persons intending to commit crimes, in order to further their designs, are not known to induce their victims to partake of these drugs, and so stupefy themselves. - Answer No 222, Army
43. The smell is offensive. 51. Yes; insubordination seems to be connected with the use of these drugs, as men who use them are inclined to answer when given an order, or even strike their superiors. 53. (i) Yes; ganja smoked in large quantities. (ii) Not distinctly. 54. Cannot be ascertained. 55. It is not known, but considered probable. Yes. - Answer No 225, Army
43. Yes. 53. Yes. I do not know of any case in which it has led to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. Yes. 55. Yes. Complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture if taken in large quantity. - Answer No 226, Army
51. On the contrary: one of the 4 men who use these drugs, is in possession of a long-service and good-conduct medal. No connection in the use of it with crime has come to my knowledge in the regiment. 53. No case has ever come to my knowledge in the regiment. 54. Have not so been used in this regiment. 55. I have never heard of this being done by any one in the regiment. - Answer No 230, Army
43. Moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The use of bhang has no connection with bad characters; nor is it the cause of crime. Some miscreants do, indeed, deliberately cause physical and mental injury to others by making them smoke charas. 53. A consumer of charas may commit crime, but a bhang-consumer is timid, and dare not commit serious crime. 54. No: bhang and charas would not serve the purpose. Liquor, indeed, does impart fortification for such a purpose. 55. A habitual consumer cannot be victimised by being induced to partake of the drug; but one unaccustomed to bhang-drinking would be stupe¬ fied by its use, and could be victimised thereafter. Dhatura is occasionally mixed with bhang to further such designs. Such admixture brings about complete stupefaction.- Answer No 232, Army
43. I am told that among Madrasis moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours; but, on the other hand, a father would not knowingly allow his daughter to marry a moderate or other consumer of the drug, though the parent may be on friendly terms with the consumer in question. This, I am informed, is not only the opinion in the regiment, but is the idea held in their several villages. 51. No, not in my regiment. The larger proportion—in fact nearly all—of the really bad characters are non-consumers. It is noticed that the habitual consumers are more often punished for such offences as slackness on duty, laziness, dirtiness of dress and accoutrments, etc., but even here, as far as I can ascertain, the proportion is very slightly larger. It is very hard to tell in a Madras regiment, as there are so few consumers. 53. I am informed that excessive indulgence is known to incite to unpremeditated crime, both violent and otherwise, but I can find out no case in which it has occurred to the knowledge of all I asked. They know of no case which has led to a wish to commit injury or murder. 54. I am told that they are. 55. My informants tell me that this can be done, and is done, and that complete stupefaction can be induced without admixture. The above information is all I have been able to gather with the small means at my disposal. Had the regiment not been in so many detachments, I might from native and non-commissioned officers away have been able to obtain more information. The questions only reached me on the 13th instant. - Answer No 233, Army
43. The consumers of these drugs are often offensive to their neighbours by their prating or otherwise. 51. Bhang is used by many respectable men for strengthening the digestive power, but charas and ganja are generally used by bad characters, who may abuse people under their influence. They, however, never commit crime. 53. Not at all. 54. None uses these drugs to fortify himself for crime. 55. Many people do so, for their use induces stupefaction. But those who are addicted to these drugs never become stupefied, but feel slight intoxication. These drugs, even if used without an ad¬ mixture, induce stupefaction. - Answer No 234, Army
43. Ganja-smokers always requiring fire for their habit, houses are sometimes destroyed by the fire falling from the chillums during their intoxica¬ tion, and thus they cause injury to their neighbours. They are, however, inoffensive if the drugs are used moderately. 51. Bhang has a cooling effect, and costs less than ganja, which affects the brain and sometimes leads the consumer to commit theft, and in case of excessive use even resort to disturbance. Ganja-consumers become insane in the end, and are teased by boys in the streets, whom they hit with stones, which may cause slight or serious injury. 53. It has been stated in the preceding answer that the man who uses these drugs turns insane in the end, and it is no wonder if he becomes guilty of any serious offence, because one under their influ¬ ence would not understand what the results of his acts would be. 54. People do not consume these drugs to fortify themselves to commit premeditated acts of violence or other crime. They use the drugs solely to satisfy their cravings. It is not likely that one who has not used these drugs before would be guilty of any violence, as their use rather makes the consumer coward. Indeed, one who smokes charas does, until he is intoxicated, appear to be bent upon committing crime. 55. Since the stupefied man cannot discern friend from foe, how is it possible for him to further any design? One unaccustomed to the use of these drugs will become stupefied by an ordinary does and one accustomed to a small dose by an exces¬ sive one, and then the person intending to commit crime can easily prey upon the victim. Bhang with an admixture of dhatura is more stupefying than bhang alone, while ganja is more stupefying Charas smoked soon after a drink of bhang induces complete stupefaction. - Answer No 235, Army
43. Consumers of ganja and charas are offensive to their neighbours, inasmuch as they make their nights restless with noise and nasty smell. Accidents of fire may also take place through their stupefaction. 51. People hear only abusive language from the consumers of these drugs. 53. No. 54. These drugs cannot fortify a consumer to commit violence or any other crime. 55. Yes - Answer No 236, Army
43. They are not offensive to their neighbours, because the use of these drugs makes them coward. 51. It has no connection with crimes. The habit is formed by associating with con¬ sumers, and the habit develops into excess. 53. It is not practicable. 54. I do not think so. 55. Yes, because there have been several instances by excessive use. - Answer No 237, Army
43. No, because sometimes they begin using abusive language to their neighbours, and their habit of consuming the drugs leads neighbours also to their use. 51. The use of these drugs does not make the consumer of bad character, but it prevents the military men from attending to their duties pro¬ perly. The use is also very injurious to laymen. The consumers are regarded as a worthless body of men, but they do not commit any offence. 53. No, except that the consumer sometimes talks nonsense. 54. Yes. 55. Yes, because persons not accustomed to the use easily become victims to them, while habitual consumers cannot be stupified without some admix¬ ture such as dhatura, etc. - Answer No 238, Army
43. Not at all. 51. Yes, most bad characters use these drugs, their use has no connection with crime. Of course, the consumer uses abusive language. 53. No. 54. No one uses them for this purpose because they do not produce boldness. 55. Yes. But the habitual consumers never become completely stupefied. - Answer No 239, Army
43. The ganja-smokers sometimes fall senseless with chillum in their hands, with the result that their clothes or houses catch fire, and thus their neighbours are put into danger. The complete stupefaction brings about death. 51. The bhang has a cooling effect, and is less expensive than ganja. The use of ganja produces aridity in the brain and leads its consumer to commit thefts when he has no money to purchase the drug. If smoked excessively, the consumers may also be expected to commit disturbances. It has often been seen that the consumers of ganja in the end become insane and wander about in the streets, followed by boys mocking and shouting at him who in return throws stones at them, taking no heed of the result. From this it appears that the use of this drug has also some connection with crime. 53. It has already been stated that the use of intoxicants is injurious in the end, and therefore it is no wonder if the consumer is ever found guilty of any serious offence. How can a man under the influence of these drugs think that his acts in the end would cause a man's death ? 64. No, these drugs are not used by persons to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated crime. They consume them merely to satisfy their craving, because they are addicted to their use. The man who has never used these drugs can hardly be compelled to take them. 55. A stupefied man cannot distinguish a friend from foe; it is therefore impossible for him to succeed in his design. Bhang mixed with a small quantity of ganja produces more stupefaction than bhang itself. - Answer No 240, Army
43. Yes, the moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The excessive use of ganja produces insanity, and its consumers are in the end sent to lunatic asylums. When a consumer has no money to purchase the drug, his desire to satisfy his craving sometimes leads him to commit thefts. Consequently the use of ganja leads its consumer to the commission of theft and makes him offensive to the public. 53. The use of ganja produces avidity in the brain. The consumer sometimes throws stones at those who annoy him. I have never seen any consumer of bhang or ganja committing murder. 54. The use of these drugs does not produce boldness, but, on the contrary, makes him coward. 55. As already stated, the use of any of these drugs does not encourage the consumers to further their designs; on the contrary, it stupefies them and makes them worthless. The use of these drugs with an admixture of dhatura or ak leaves produces complete stupefaction. Persons intending to commit robbery or murder can succeed undoubtedly in their designs by inducing their victims to partake bhang or charas, provided the latter are not accustomed to their use. - Answer No 241, Army
43. In the beginning the moderate consumers are inoffensive to their neighbours, but when they become habitual consumers, they are not offensive to their neighbours only, but also to the members of their household. 51. When the bad characters become habitual consumers of these drugs, they commit crimes of special character. The bhang is not very expensive, but ganja is, and the use of ganja weakens the brain and causes insanity. 53. The excessive use affects the brain and leads the consumer to commit murder and other serious crimes. 54. Yes, the habitual consumers of these drugs sometimes commit such acts under the influence of these drugs. 55. Yes, because people not accustomed to the use of these drugs easily become their victims.- Answer No 242, Army
43. The consumption of these drugs greatly affects the senses of the consumers; such consumers are very troublesome to their neighbours. 51. The bad characters as well as other people use these drugs. The use has no connection with crimes of any special character. 53. The excessive consumer does not commit a heinous crime, such as "murder." Of course, it would not be strange if they commit trifling offences. 54. Yes, the habitual consumers after taking their dose recover their senses and become fortified, while an abstainer becomes stupefied if he takes any of these drngs in order to commit any offence or violence. 55. Yes - Answer No 243, Army
43. The consumption of these drugs greatly affects the senses of the consumers; such consumers are very troublesome to their neighbours. 51. The bad characters as well as other people use these drugs. The use has no connection with crimes of any special character. 53. The excessive consumer does not commit a heinous crime, such as murder. Of course, it would not be strange if they commit trifling offences. 54. Yes, the habitual consumers after taking their dose recover their senses and become fortified, while an abstainer becomes stupefied if he takes any of these drugs in order to commit any offence or violence. 55. Yes. - Answer No 244, Army
43. The moderate consumers trouble their neigh¬ bours and the members of their own family, as they become ill-tempered. While intoxicated they use disrespectful and obscene words. 51. The proportion of bhang-drinkers is given above. As regards crime in general, all regard the use of these drugs as criminal; the law can show the crime of the special character. It is also clear that the use is religiously criminal, for it is forbidden among Muhammadans and they may be taken to be a special crime. 53. When a man is over-intoxicated he loses his senses, and in such a state he involuntarily does to what his inclination may lead. 54. No, because one is not master of his actions in a state of intoxication. 55. Complete stupefaction can be induced by this drug alone (without admixture) in those who are not addicted to it. Excessive intoxication sometimes kills a man. - Answer No 245(a), Army
43. Yes, they are offensive, as they cry and utter abuse while intoxicated. Moreover, their example produces an immoral effect on their neighbours' children. 51. When a man is mad on account of intoxication he utters abuses, and sometimes commits a murder. Persons are known to have acted in this manner. 53. Yes, such use leads to homicidal frenzy. 54. No one feels any inclination for violent acts before the use of this drug, but while in intoxication, his thoughts lead him to acts of violence. 55. There are people who, in order to further their designs, induce some one to partake of any of these drugs and thus stupefy him. Ganja and charas produce intoxication instantaneously - Answer No 245(b), Army
43. They are not inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. Bad-charactered men use these drugs generally, and under their influence commit crimes, but not of some special kinds. 53. Under their influence sometimes disorderly acts are done, but not of any kind or sort. 54. Yes; it is used for this purpose. 55. Yes; occasionally they do. - Answer No 246, Army
43. Moderate consumers may be said to be quite inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. The proportion of bhang-consumers among bad characters is less than that of the consumers of ganja and charas. 53. Excessive indulgence in all of these drugs incites to unpremeditated petty crimes; and it is probable that it may lead to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. These drugs are not used by persons to fortify themselves to commit a premeditated act of violence or other crime. 55. Rare instances are found in cases of theft in which the offender used these drugs and administered them to his victim to further his designs. Complete stupefaction cannot be induced without any admixture. - Answer No 247, Army
43. They are inoffensive to their neighbours. 51. It cannot be affirmed that the greater number of vicious persons can be found among the consumers. The excessive use occasionally maddens the consumer. In this state, having no control over the mind, he may commit a crime, but what sort of crime he shall commit cannot be stated. 53. The excessive indulgence does not incite like liquor any premeditated crime. No case is known in which the consumer has been led to commit the homicidal frenzy. 54. No man is known to have taken these drugs with the intention of committing a crime, violent or otherwise. 55. Persons intending to commit crime do in¬ duce their victims to partake any of these drugs and stupefy themselves; but such case is not known to have occurred here. Without admixture complete stupefaction can not be induced. - Answer No 248, Army
43. The moderate consumers are never offensive to their neighbours. 51. The habitual moderate consumers are not of bad character generally, but they become hardy and laborious instead. 53. Not acquainted with the result produced from excessive use of these drugs. 54. Some men purposely take bhang to perform their premeditated cause. 55. Some persons try themselves to induce their victims to partake of these drugs, in order to stupefy them with a view of plundering them also. A man cannot be stupefied by a simple dose of bhang without admixture. - Answer No 249, Army
43. Moderate consumers are considered inoffensive. The regimental consumers are well-behaved and efficient men. 51. The small number of men in the regiment who smoke ganja (charas and bhang not being consumed) are generally well-behaved and efficient men. What crime there is in the corps is caused by excess in drinking the country liquor. 53. Excessive indulgence would have this effect. The effect being what would be called in respect to a man greatly excited from alcohol a state of "mad drunkenness." The victim goes off his head, and for the time is practically insane. 54. No such use known in the corps. 55. Ganja taken alone does not stupefy, but would do so when mixed with dhatura. No case known to witnesses. - Answer No 250, Army
43. Consumers of these drugs are inoffensive. 51. Not supposed to be. There appears to be no connection between crime and these drugs. 53. No, so far as I am aware; but I have no information on this question. 54. No, not supposed to according to some opinions; but I have no reliable information on this point. 55. It is said some dhatura is usually added to these drugs so as to stupefy victims.- Answer No 252, Army
43. No, they are not offensive to their neighbours. 51. The excessive use of these drugs causes insanity. Their use has connection with theft, because when a consumer has no money to purchase the drug he must commit theft. 53. The use of ganja heats the brain and produces aridity. The consumers when teased throw stones towards people, and may commit murder if bothered further. 54. No, the use of these drugs makes the consumrs coward. 55. Yes, they do, especially to those who are not addicted to the use of any of these drugs.- Answer No 254, Army
43. Certainly they are inoffensive to their neighbours. But the charas-smokers being im¬ pudent men, often call names, thereby offending their neighbours. 51. The consumers of these drugs are considered bad characters. They insult people, and thus the use of the drugs has connection with crime. 53. The use of these drugs makes the consumer coward; hence they cannot possibly commit any crime, violent or otherwise. The use of bhang does not lead to temporary homicidal frenzy. The life of charas and ganja-smokers is indeed in danger on account of immediate stupefaction. Some men have lost their lives in this way. 54. No. 55. Yes, it is true. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drugs, even without admixture. - Answer No 255, Army
43. No. 51. Yes, bad characters are also habitual con¬ sumers of these drugs They induce their victims to partake of one of these drugs with a view to stupefy then and thus facilitate robbery. 53. No. I have not heard that it does incite to unpremeditated crime, violent or otherwise, but it is feared that the excessive use of these drugs may lead to temporary homicidal frenzy. 54. No. 55. Yes, they do. Complete stupefaction can be induced by any of these drugs without admixture. - Answer No 256, Army
43. Yes, they are offensive. 51. Bad characters addicted to the use of these drugs abuse people and quarrel with them. The use has therefore some connection with crime of a general and special character. 53. Yes, but not to such an extent as in the case of a non-consumer, whom the drug, if taken, stupefies completely. It is well known among people that the use of intoxicants is anything but, beneficial. 54. Yes. 55. Yes. If a man has vehement desire to take away a thing from the possession of another man who would not part with it, the former would induce the latter to partake of one of these drugs, in order to obtain his object by stupefying him. - Answer No 257, Army
43. Yes, but it is feared that the neighbours may also get addicted to the use 51. Bad characters or gamblers use these drugs, and when they have no money to provide themselves with the drug, they commit thefts. 53. Yes, it does; but I have never seen such an occurrence, though I have reasons to believe that such is the case. When one has lost self-control it is not strange if he should commit crime. 54. When a person intends to commit a pre¬ meditated act, he takes a little quantity of these drugs to fortify himself. 55. Yes, they do, by giving him some sweetmeat mixed with one of these drugs. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drugs without admixture. - Answer No 259, Army
43. They are inoffensive. 51. A sharper or a pilferer addicted to the use of charas, etc., may commit such an act for want of money, as such men never do any work to earn their livelihood. Bhang and charas are not used for such purposes. 53. As far as I know, such is not the case. 54. No. 55. Some bad characters intending to commit theft, etc., mix dhatura, even arsenic, with (bhang ?), which they induce their victims to partake. - Answer No 260, Army
43. Yes, they are inoffensive; they consume the drugs merely to refresh themselves. 51. Bad characters or habitual criminals seldom indulge in the habit of using these drugs, because their use produces laziness. The use has no connection with crime in general or with crime of any special character. 53. No. 54. As the use of these drugs does not give boldness, it is therefore improbable that the con¬ sumer should commit any act of violence.—By the use of these drugs men of weak constitution keep up their strength for a short time, but the excessive use stupefies them. 55. Such persons cannot stupefy their victims completely by inducing the latter to use any of these drugs unless some other ingredients are mixed with them. Habitual criminals make their victims take bhang mixed with dhatura seeds and thus stupefy them, and become successful in carrying out their criminal design. - Answer No 261, Army
43. Yes. 51. In the regiment no; at any rate, there is no record of such facts. Ordinarily it is said that thieves and gamblers are habitual consumers. 53 and 54. No. 55. Yes, fakirs, etc., are known to use these drugs on unfrequented roads to stupefy travellers and rob them. Complete stupefaction can be induced by the drug on those unaccustomed to it without admixture. - Answer No 262, Army
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Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Methods of cultivation
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Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Areas of cannabis cultivation and wild growth
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/01/areas-of-cannabis-cultivation-and-wild.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: The manner and forms in which cannabis was consumed
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/08/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Conditions suitable for cannabis cultivation
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/conditions-suitable-for-cannabis.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Post harvest processing, packaging and storage
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/09/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india_28.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: The classes of people who consumed and cultivated ganja - https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/19th-century-indian-cannabis-user.html
Cannabis usage in 19th Century India: Findings on the immediate effects of cannabis consumption
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-immediate-effects-of-cannabis.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Myths of harmful physical and moral effects
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/04/creating-myths-of-harmful-physical-and.html
The 108 names of cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-108-names-of-cannabis.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Trade and movement
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/trade-and-movement-of-cannabis-in-19th.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Notes on chemical, physiological and biological analyses of Indian cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/notes-on-chemical-physiological-and.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Consumption rates and associated costs
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/26.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: The public opinion farce amid near total opposition to ganja prohibition
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/near-total-opposition-to-cannabis.html
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Unheeded warnings regarding the harms of alcohol
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/01/alcohol-and-cannabis-comparison-in.html
Cannabis Opposition
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/cannabis-opposition.html
Cannabis Laws
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-laws.html
Cannabis and Crime
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-crime.html
Cannabis and Equity
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-equity.html
Cannabis Advocacy
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-advocacy.html
Cannabis convictions and imprisonment
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-convictions-and-imprisonment.html
Cannabis and the DEA
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-dea.html
Cannabis and the Black Market
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-black-market.html
Cannabis and Law Enforcement
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-law-enforcement.html
Cannabis and Youth
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/03/cannabis-and-youth.html
With no scientific basis global drug laws are invalid
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/06/with-no-scientific-basis-global-drug.html
A Look At The NDPS Act 1985 From A Cannabis Perspective
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-look-at-ndps-act-1985-from-cannabis.html
Draft Cannabis Policy for India 2022
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/01/draft-cannabis-policy-for-india-2022.html
The Opioid Pandemic behind the mask of COVID19
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-opioid-pandemic-behind-mask-of.html
Cannabis and the Environment
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-and-environment.html
Cannabis as an Agricultural Crop
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-as-agricultural-crop.html
Cannabis as Medicine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-as-medicine.html
Cannabis for Recreational Purposes
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-for-recreational-purposes.html
Cannabis and Research
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-and-research.html
The Business of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-business-of-cannabis.html
The Economics of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-economics-of-cannabis.html
Cannabis as Universal Medicine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-as-universal-medicine.html
Cannabis and Anxiety
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-anxiety.html
Cannabis and Pain
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-pain.html
Cannabis and PTSD
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-ptsd.html
Cannabis and the Elderly
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-elderly.html
Cannabis and the Armed Forces
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-armed-forces.html
Cannabis and Alcohol
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-alcohol.html
Cannabis and Tobacco
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-tobacco.html
Cannabis and Methamphetamine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-methamphetamine.html
Cannabis and Opioids
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-opioids.html
Cannabis and Harm Reduction
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-harm-reduction.html
Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-synthetic-cannabinoids.html
Cannabis and Insanity
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-insanity.html
Cannabis and Cocaine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-cocaine.html
Cannabis and Benzodiazepines
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-benzodiazepines.html
The Recreational Cannabis Consumer
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-recreational-cannabis-consumer.html
The History of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-history-of-cannabis.html
Cannabis and Politicians
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-politicians.html
The Legality of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-legality-of-cannabis.html
The Politics of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-politics-of-cannabis.html
The Social Usage of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-social-usage-of-cannabis.html
No medicinal value?
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/02/no-medicinal-value.html
Cannabis and the Medical Industry
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-medical-industry.html
Cannabis Tourism
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-tourism.html
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