Unlicensed Substance Rehabilitation Centre in Sonipat Raided by Joint Team; Authorities to Take Legal Action

In a joint operation led by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Flying Squad, along with representatives from the Departments of Social Welfare and Health, an Unregistered Substance Rehabilitation Centre on Gohana Road in Sonipat, Haryana, faced a crackdown on Thursday. The revelation during the raid exposed that the centre had been operating without a licence since 2020. A total of 39 individuals were found residing in the facility, with one of them being a minor.

Entrants at the rehabilitation centre had alleged mistreatment, reporting that they were restrained with ropes and subjected to physical abuse with sticks. Furthermore, they highlighted inadequate meal provisions. Disturbingly, the files of these individuals lacked essential documents, indicating negligence on the part of the operators. The CIA Flying Squad is set to file a case against the administrators based on these findings.

Dr. Sandeep Antil from the Health Department revealed that the Harsh Nasha Mukti Kendra had been operating without registration, a violation of the Mental Health Act of 2017. This act entails fines and penalties for such offences. The authorities have recommended stringent action against the centre, emphasising the need to safeguard the well-being of individuals dealing with substance abuse.

The team from the CIA Flying Squad questioned the residents during the raid, learning about the abusive practices within the centre, where individuals were not only mistreated but also denied timely meals. The licence for the rehabilitation centre had expired in 2020, and no efforts were made to renew it thereafter. According to licensing regulations, such centres are not permitted to house more than 15 individuals. The facility's operators, identified as Bijendra Bhutgawan, Sandeep Hooda, and his wife, now face legal consequences.

The CIA Flying Squad is taking prompt action by recommending the filing of a case against the operators, urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This operation underscores the importance of ensuring that rehabilitation centres adhere to proper licensing and provide a secure and supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse.