Punjab Newsline | Malerkotla
Malerkotla police have rescued 48 people from an alleged illegal de-addiction centre in Bijoki Kalan village, marking the second consecutive day of action against unauthorised facilities in the district. The centre was reportedly operating under the name “Nasha Mukt Samaj Welfare Society”. According to the police, people struggling with drug addiction were allegedly confined against their will, assaulted and forced to perform labour at the premises. One accused has been arrested, while efforts are underway to apprehend the other person named in the case.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said the action was carried out under the Punjab Government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign and under the supervision of DSP Amargarh Sanjeev Kapoor. He said the police were continuing their drive against illegal de-addiction centres to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people seeking help for substance addiction.
According to the police, the incident came to light on October 24, 2026, when a police team led by ASI Balwinder Singh was patrolling near Bijoki Kalan village. During the patrol, the team received specific information alleging that the centre was being run illegally and that people addicted to drugs were being brought there without their consent and held against their wishes.
Acting on the information, the police raided the premises and rescued 48 people who were allegedly being confined inside the facility. The operation led to the registration of a case at Amargarh police station against the persons identified in connection with the centre.
The accused have been identified as Jatinder Singh, a resident of Nushehra, and Hammad Sadiq alias Shikhu, a resident of Kacha Jamalpura in Malerkotla. Police have arrested Jatinder Singh, while further efforts are being made to arrest Hammad Sadiq. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as the probe progresses.
SSP Khakh said de-addiction must be treated as a matter of medical care, rehabilitation and human dignity, and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found exploiting people in the name of treatment. He added that a district-wide drive against illegal centres was underway and would continue.
The SSP appealed to the public to seek treatment only at government hospitals or licensed de-addiction centres. He urged people to share information about illegal facilities or drug-related activities with their nearest police station, assuring them that the identity of informers would be kept strictly confidential.
