Four addicts escape from rehab in Phagwara

In an incident that has raised serious concerns about security lapses and administrative oversight, four drug addicts escaped from the Drug De-Addiction Centre at Civil Hospital, Phagwara, on Tuesday evening. The escape took place around 5.15 pm when a group of seven inmates allegedly attempted to flee during a routine activity within the hospital premises.

The escapees have been identified as Manpreet, Sukhwinder, and Jaskaran from Ranipur near Phagwara, and Amandeep from Gohawar, Phillaur.

Hospital sources have revealed that the escape may have been facilitated with internal assistance. Harjinder Kumar, a staff member deployed at the Centre, is suspected of masterminding the escape plan. The group reportedly manhandled ward attendant Pankaj Heer before executing their escape, according to SMO Dr Parminder Kaur.

Dr Parminder Kaur also revealed that the Centre had previously requested police protection, but the post was recently withdrawn despite written objections.

A formal complaint has been lodged with the City Phagwara Police, and search operations are underway.