An inmate of Revive Drug De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre at Utlou Chanura Heibi Makhong under Nambol Police Station in Bishnupur district was allegedly beaten to death by employees of the rehab, sources said.
The sources said that the incident took place at around 9 pm on Thursday.
The deceased has been identified as one Lukram Sanjay alias Ningthou, 32, son of L Raghumani of Phoijing Awang Leikai. He is survived by his wife and a two-year-old daughter.
According to his family,, Sanjay was a drug user and along with another user was arrested by Nambol Police on May 31. His family members were asked to come to the police station where they agreed to keep him at the drug rehab centre.
On the same day, he was handed over to the family by the police, Sanjay was admitted at the Revive Drug De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre at around 9 pm, they said.
At around 10 pm on Thursday, they were again asked to come to the police station to discuss some issues which occurred at the rehab. When the family arrived at the station, they learnt about Sanjay’s death.
They found the body at Saiyon Hospital at Nambol, and it was learnt from there that Sanjay was brought dead at the hospital by three persons who worked at the said rehab, the family members expressed.
When they checked, the body was found covered in injury marks at different areas. It was also learnt that the three persons had already surrendered themselves at Nambol Police station.
The body has been transferred to RIMS Mortuary by Nambol Police.
On Friday morning, a joint team of Drug Users Federation for Human Rights and Justice and Committee on Suitable Guidelines for Non- Fundamental Private Rehabilitation Centre arrived at Revive Rehabilitation Centre to carry out an inspection.
When the team arrived, the authorities running the rehab were found to be absent. Only five drug users were found staying at the rehab.
The rehab is reportedly run by one L Premananda who holds the post of its managing director.
The team has lodged a complaint at Nambol police station, urging prompt action against those involved in the death of the inmate.
Meanwhile, a protest meet was conducted at Phoijing Awang Community Hall where it was resolved that a JAC will be formed to mount pressure upon the authorities concerned until the perpetrators are brought to justice. It was also resolved that the body will not be collected until the involved culprits are arrested.
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