76 rescued in crackdown on illegal rehab centres in Shahkot
In a decisive action under the government’s flagship campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, the civil and police administration of Jalandhar district carried out a major joint operation against unauthorised de-addiction centres in the Shahkot area. A total of 76 individuals were rescued from two such illegal facilities.
The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, targeted unauthorised centres run by the Baba Deep Singh Welfare Society in village Dhandwal and the Turning Point De-addiction Centre in village Bajwa Kalan. From Dhandwal, 47 people were rescued, and from Bajwa Kalan, 29 individuals were freed. FIRs have been registered against the property owners and operators of both centres and investigations are underway.
The authorities revealed that patients at these centres were illegally detained, physically abused and in some cases, confined for over seven months. The DC reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse and unauthorised centers, vowing strict and sustained action.
Dr Aggarwal emphasized that the administration is equally focused on the rehabilitation and proper care of drug-dependent individuals, alongside law enforcement measures. He also highlighted recent similar actions in Jamsher and Samrai, where 137 individuals were rescued from illegal de-addiction centers—34 from Jamsher and 103 from Samrai.
SSP Harvinder Singh Virk warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone running unauthorized centers as such operations jeopardise the lives and violate human rights.
Residents are encouraged to report drug-related activity or suspicious centers by calling the District De-addiction Helpline (0181-2911969) or via WhatsApp at 9779-100-200. Officials assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
The recent Shahkot operation included the coordinated efforts of SP (Investigation) Sarabjit Rai, DSP Onkar Singh Brar, Tehsildar Harminder Singh Sidhu, SMO Chander Deepak, Drug Inspector Dr. Lajwinder Kumar, Psychiatrist Dr. Abhairaj Singh, Dr. Rajdeep Kaur, and Dr. Taranjit, among others.
This campaign continues to intensify across the district as authorities work to eliminate drug abuse and unauthorized treatment centers from the region.
