Joint Operation Rescues 60 from Illegal Rehab Centres
Health officials, civil administration, and police conducted a joint operation in Muktsar district, busting two illegal drug rehabilitation centres that were allegedly operating under the guise of religious practices. Approximately 60 inmates, including minors, were rescued from facilities near Malout town and Kattianwali village in the Lambi Assembly segment. The rescued youths were immediately shifted to government hospitals for medical care.
Lack of Licences and Basic Infrastructure
Officials confirmed that the centres were functioning without mandatory licences and lacked basic medical infrastructure. Inmates were found lying on mattresses in halls under unhygienic conditions, with no trained staff or safety arrangements. Large religious symbols were displayed outside the buildings to make them appear as religious institutions. Inmates told authorities they had been staying there for two to three months and were paying around Rs 5,000 per month for treatment.
FIRs Registered and One Arrest Made
The police registered two FIRs and arrested one accused in connection with the illegal operations. Dr Sunil Bansal, Chief Medical Officer of Muktsar, confirmed that the centres were operating illegally under the guise of religious practices.
Similar Crackdown in March
This case is similar to a March crackdown at Panniwala Fatta village, where 73 inmates were rescued from an illegal centre running from a shop basement in the grain market. Although an FIR was registered against four persons then, only one arrest has been made so far.
