Arunachal: Youth killed in Pasighat rehab centre; 11 arrested
Pasighat: Strong reaction is brewing among residents of Pasighat Smart City over the killing of a local youth, who reportedly took drugs and was admitted to a private rehabilitation centre at Pasighat town in East Siang district.
Police said that one Olip Litin Mukerjee (victim) was admitted to ‘Serene Life Foundation’ — a rehabilitation centre for drug-addicted persons run by a private party at Pasighat Gumin Nagar on 28 June this year.
He was brutally assaulted by other inmates in the rehabilitation centre on July 19 and later brought to Bakin Pertin General Hospital in a critical condition at around 11.30 midnights. However, medical officers of the hospital declared him ‘brought dead’.
The deceased’s mother Mohimang Litin of Rani village in the district submitted a complaint with Pasighat police station on July 20, accusing the owner of the rehabilitation centre for killing of his son.
Pasighat police following an investigation of the case (No-94/2024) under section 103 (1) of BNS and so far have arrested 11 persons including the Management in-charge, Assistant manager, Counselor and Detoxification in-charge of the rehabilitation centre.
The investigating officer also picked up some other inmates of the rehabilitation house for interrogation.
The arrestees are presently under five-day police remand.
The Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Siang, Dr Sachin Singhal said the police are taking up the case of investigation on priority and collected evidence.
“Multiple beating spots were visible on the deceased body, which depicts that he was brutally assaulted before death. However, the post-mortem report is still awaited,” the SP said while informing that the police are conducting a technical analysis of the reasons behind the death.
“Case has been registered under the relevant section of law and we are working to unearth all facts behind the murder", he added.
The SP further informed that arrestees have admitted their offense that they physically assaulted the deceased on the night of the incident because he (deceased) was unwilling to stay in the rehabilitation house.
The SP observes that there is a necessity to inquire about the safety measures, hygienic maintenance, and minimum requirements (facilities) available in the alleged rehabilitation centre. He has already approached East Siang DC seeking the institution of a joint team inspection at the alleged Rehabilitation centre.
Reacting to rumours of police inaction in the case, which are propagated on social media, the SP has requested local media persons and other citizens to work with responsibility and help the police in restraining anti-social forces.
