Around 35 patients escaped from a government-run de-addiction centre in Punjab’s Moga district after allegedly creating a ruckus, assaulting staff members, and breaking the main gate lock of the facility, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening at the government de-addiction centre located in a village under the Kot Ise Khan area. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing a large number of patients running out of the premises amid chaos and commotion.
According to officials, nearly 95 patients had been admitted to the centre for treatment and rehabilitation. Trouble reportedly began after an argument broke out between some patients and the staff members, which later escalated into a violent clash. The patients allegedly assaulted employees and created panic inside the facility.
When security guards intervened to stop them, they too were allegedly attacked. Officials said the patients outnumbered the security personnel, leading to scuffles and stone-pelting-like scenes inside the premises. In the chaos, the inmates broke the lock of the main gate and fled from the centre.
Some patients were stopped by the security staff, but around 30 managed to escape before police arrived at the scene. Following the incident, personnel from Kot Ise Khan police station and senior officers reached the centre and began an investigation.
Speaking on the matter, DSP Sukhmander Singh said police received information late Wednesday evening regarding the escape of several youths admitted to the rehabilitation facility.
“Police teams were immediately dispatched to the centre after receiving the information. Families of the patients have also been informed so they can help establish contact with them,” the DSP said.
He said preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been carried out in a planned manner by some of the patients. Police officials visited the centre, interacted with doctors and staff members, and reviewed the security arrangements at the facility.
The officer further said efforts are underway to trace the escaped patients with the help of their families. Authorities are also coordinating with the health department and medical officials to ensure the patients are brought back for treatment and rehabilitation.