Tortured’ by staff, 14 girls escape from Himachal de-addiction centre by breaking window panes, say were served drugs
- A first in India: Himachal govt plans doorstep healthcare for people aged 70 and above - November 6, 2024
- Himachal CM’s wife may get ministry if Congress follows this tradition for cabinet expansion - November 5, 2024
- Himachal High Court maintains stay on termination of 900 horticulture project employees - November 5, 2024
Belonged to neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana
The Newz Radar
SOLAN: Fourteen girls who were undergoing treatment at a drug de-addiction centre at Parwanoo in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh fled from the facility after breaking window panes. The escapees have levelled serious allegations against the de-addiction centre operators and employees, accusing them of serving drugs and subjecting them to physical assault and torture.
The incident happened late Saturday night when most of the girls allegedly broke window panes to make good their escape. As of now, only three girls remain at the centre, while the whereabouts of the others remain unknown. The local police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Sources said that a majority of the girls undergoing treatment at the centre belonged to neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. In all, 17 girls were reported to be receiving treatment at the centre.
It is not the first time such accusations have surfaced in the region. Earlier, another drug prevention centre in Parwanoo faced allegations of staff members providing drugs to the youth undergoing treatment. A video, purportedly recorded by a youth receiving treatment, captured employees consuming drugs within the premises. Subsequently, the government closed down that centre, leading to several arrests.
The latest incident has reignited concerns about the practices within de-addiction centers in the Parwanoo area. The police are yet to release an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, reports suggest that several girls who fled sought refuge in nearby houses.
“The development has prompted a reevaluation of the oversight and regulation of such centres,” said a health department official.
