[Reader-list] information on lunatics of the border areas

[Vivek Narayanan]

Hi all,

Going through some old notebooks this morning, I found that I had 
clipped this improbable story, almost certainly a plant, but a bizarre 
one, from The Hindu of June 2002. Of course, it reminded me of Manto's 
Toba Tek Singh. I was wondering if anyone on this list had heard 
anything more about this story, or about where it might have come from?

Thanks
Vivek

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/06/03/stories/2002060301791200.htm

Rise in number of 'lunatics'in border areas

Sriganganagar (Rajasthan) June 2. A sudden increase in the number of 
lunatics in the border areas is causing concern to the district 
administration, which is keeping a close watch on the ``new phenomenon'' 
amid reports of Pakistani sleuths being drugged and pushed into India, a 
top official said.

The District Collector, Ram Avtar, told reporters here today that 
``there have been reports that Pakistani spies, injected with some kinds 
of drugs, are being pushed into India''. Under the influence of the 
drugs they behaved like lunatics for about a fortnight and did not 
arouse suspicion. After the effect of the drug wore out, they would mix 
with the local population to fulfil their assigned mission.

He said orders had been issued to keep a strict vigil on lunatics being 
brought to hospitals in the border areas and ticketless travellers.

The Collector said the administration had also taken several measures to 
meet any eventuality in the wake of heightened tensions on the border .

— PTI