TV
Police in Sambalpur, raided a rehabilitation centre for mentally retarded persons following allegations of torture against its residents at Dhanupali locality in Sambalpur district, on Monday.
The raid, conducted by officials from Dhanupali Police Station, targeted the facility managed by a voluntary organisation ‘Samartha’, under the aegis of Adarsha Shishu Mandir.
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The centre is intended to provide care and accommodation for individuals with mental disabilities. However, after receiving reports of mistreatment, local authorities launched a probe that led to their intervention at the site.
The allegations have cast a shadow over the institution’s mission, which is focused on supporting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. Action by the police underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Further investigations are underway as the police continue to gather evidence related to the claims. However, no comments have been made yet by the managing organisation.
Police have not disclosed detailed findings from the raid at this time.
Residents and their families are being kept informed of ongoing developments, a senior official said. “We received a complaint that mentally retarded inmates are being tortured in a rehabilitation centre located at Putibandh of Netaji Nagar. District Social Security Officer (DSSO) was asked to conduct an inquiry and submit a report, based on which, we will take necessary action,” Dhanupali ICC Tofan Bagh said.
Meanwhile, the Sambalpur Collector has directed to arrest the secretary of ‘Samartha’ following serious allegations of mistreatment at the centre. The NGO will be subsequently blacklisted, barring it from commencing operations elsewhere in the State.
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Reports have emerged suggesting that residents of the centre were subjected to physical abuse and were provided with stale food. A dedicated committee has been established to investigate these claims and will issue its findings after a thorough review.
This action was initiated after a video depicting the alleged abuses circulated widely on social media, prompting police intervention.
