Jajpur: A youth died under suspicious circumstances at a de-addiction centre in Jajpur district on Saturday, triggering protests by his family members and local residents, who alleged that he was physically assaulted by the facility’s staff.
The deceased was identified as Rajib Lochan Barik of Bhagabanpur village under the Dharmasala block. He had been undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction at the Sudhara Patha Drug De-addiction Centre in Jaraka.
According to family members, Rajib was admitted to the centre nearly two months ago and returned home around 15 days ago after showing signs of improvement. They alleged that the centre authorities later asked him to revisit the facility for a haircut, after which he was taken back to the centre.
Soon afterward, Rajib’s health reportedly deteriorated, and he was shifted to the Dharmasala Community Health Centre (CHC) in critical condition. The de-addiction centre authorities informed the family about his hospitalisation. However, by the time his relatives reached the hospital, doctors had declared him dead.
The family alleged that Rajib was assaulted inside the rehabilitation facility, leading to his death. The allegations sparked outrage among local residents, who joined the bereaved family in staging a protest outside the centre. The protesters demanded strict action against those responsible and a thorough investigation into the incident.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Dharmasala police reached the spot, brought the situation under control, and detained the operator and staff members of the Sudhara Patha Drug De-addiction Centre for further investigation.
