S Dinajpur: Crackdown on illegal rehab centres after inmate’s death
BALURGHAT: The recent death of an inmate at an unlicensed drug rehabilitation centre in Salas, Tapan, has sparked a major administrative crackdown in South Dinajpur. Following the demise of Salauddin Sarkar, who was undergoing treatment at the facility, local authorities are now set to launch a full-scale investigation into the illegal rehabilitation centres operating in the district.
Despite repeated warnings, numerous unlicensed rehab centres have mushroomed overnight across the district, operating without any oversight. Several incidents of patient deaths at these centres have been reported previously but administrative action has remained largely absent.
There are widespread allegations of malpractice against these centres, including physical abuse of patients, under the guise of treatment and inadequate provision of food. Alarmingly, many of these centres are reportedly being run by former patients, often without adhering to any legal or medical guidelines. According to official data, around 25 to 30 such facilities are currently operational in South Dinajpur, none of which have the requisite licenses. Despite this, these centres continue to function openly. In one shocking incident, a patient was allegedly beaten to death at a rehab centre in Paranpur, Balurghat, prompting police intervention and subsequent closure of the facility. Similar complaints have surfaced in Gangarampur. Following Salauddin’s death on November 5, his family filed a formal complaint at Tapan Police Station the next day, bringing renewed focus to the issue. The incident sent shockwaves across the district, raising serious concerns about the safety and legitimacy of these centres. District Magistrate Bijin Krishna stated: “We have received reports of a patient’s death at a rehab centre. A thorough investigation will be conducted and necessary action will be taken. Illegal rehabilitation centres will not be allowed to operate in the district. We will launch a campaign against them and take legal measures as required. Guidelines for setting up legal rehab centres will also be communicated.”
District Superintendent of Police Chinmay Mittal added: “The matter is under investigation.” Chief Medical Officer of Health, Sudip Das confirmed: “No licenses have been issued for rehabilitation centres in the district.” The administration has promised swift action, aiming to bring all rehabilitation centres under legal scrutiny to prevent further tragedies.
