Illegal drug de-addiction centre busted in Palwal; one arrested

The Palwal police have uncovered an illegal drug de-addiction centre in Asawata village and arrested one person in connection with the operation. A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the main accused.

A senior police official revealed that the centre, operating under the name "Shri Shyam Foundation," was raided by a joint team of police and Health Department officials on Friday based on inputs about its unlicensed operations. The raid uncovered a facility where 39 individuals, mostly youths, were being housed without any proper medical or therapeutic care.

“The centre had no doctor, psychiatrist, therapist or yoga expert to facilitate the recovery process of the patients. Additionally, there were no arrangements for providing a proper and healthy diet,” the official stated.

Dalip, a caretaker present during the raid, was arrested after initial questioning. The police are now searching for the main accused, Sunder Poswal and Praveen Kumar, both residents of the area, who allegedly ran the centre. “The accused charged Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per person, despite having no proper infrastructure or facilities. The admitted individuals are likely to be shifted to a government-run centre,” the official added.

The spokesperson confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections and that further arrests are expected.