The area, vibrant with the presence of youth and the audience of the numerous drama and other performances at the Mahila Samity auditorium, has been the target of a number of drug selling gangs. These peddlers and their financiers -- some armed hoodlums -- are now in control of the area.

"Even the elite and influential residents of Baily Road dread their own safety and tend to keep mum about the daily menace," said Azim (not his real name), a guard of a building in the area.

The addicts gang up at different spots near the Mahila Samity and Siddheswari Circular Road. In case of police patrolling the area, these addicts mingle into the crowds of young people, a common feature in the area.

A wide range of drugs is smuggled out and sold from different 'hideouts' based in Shantinagar Plaza and nearby markets. Along with cannabis, cocaine, heroine and other drugs, even Phensidyl, is sold at these points.

The customers are usually members from the elite class and are ready to spend large amounts of money to satisfy their addiction. When the transaction is complete, the addicts move to other spots on Baily Road, where they hang out and quench their thirst to 'get high' and tend to lose self-control. As such, arguments and fistfights are regular incidents in the area.

Three groups are known to carry out this business in the area, and sources said that even theatre activists are not safe in these surroundings.

"A few days back, I had a 'run-in' with a notorious person who tried to rush in to the theatre looking for someone," said Tomal Ali, a theatre activist, describing his tale. Ali's colleagues later pulled him away from the scene fearing his safety.

The police have not been able to capture any of these criminals as yet, though they are well aware of the activities in the area.

"We send teams almost every week but the very sight of police undercover at a distance, gives the addicts and the peddlers enough time to flee," said Ramna Police Station's duty officer.

Recently, the mobile, detective branch and cobra teams of the police, operating in plain clothes, have been deployed to patrol these areas.

"With accurate information and complaints, we would surely be able to apprehend these criminals and stop such nuisance," said the duty officer.