Bhubaneswar: One person has been arrested and another detained in connection with shocking allegations of torture against mentally challenged individuals at the ‘Samartha’ rehabilitation centre at Netaji Nagar under Dhanupali Police limits in Sambalpur district.
The individual arrested has been identified as Harishchandra Das, the secretary of the NGO operating the centre. Meanwhile, Swagatika Pradhan, a female caregiver employed at the facility, has been detained for questioning.
The horrifying incident came to light after a former employee of the organisation filed a complaint, revealing disturbing details about the inhumane treatment of the inmates.
According to the whistleblower, who was deeply affected by the abuse, videos allegedly showing the abuse of residents at the centre went viral online. These videos have added fuel to the growing outrage surrounding the case.
As per the former employee’s account, the mentally challenged individuals were reportedly beaten without provocation and served stale food that had been prepared three days earlier. Female inmates were allegedly bathed by male caretakers inappropriately and both Das and Pradhan were identified as the primary individuals responsible for overseeing these abuses.
The whistleblower further claimed that the residents were administered excessive doses of medications and injections, some of which allegedly led to deaths during treatment.
In addition, inmates were reportedly not allowed to visit their homes, with those who requested leave being subjected to severe physical punishment that left them bedridden.
Upon learning of the grave allegations, Rengali MLA Sudarshan Haripal conducted a surprise inspection of the rehabilitation centre, confirming the accuracy of the accusations. Subsequently, a local police team raided the facility, questioning the accused individuals about the viral videos and the accusations made against them.
Today, the Dhanupali Police arrested Harishchandra Das, while Swagatika Pradhan remains detained for further interrogation.
