Rehab centre owner held after inmate’s death

Mysuru: The City Police have arrested the owner of an alcohol de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in connection with the death of an inmate. The inmate’s family members alleged that he was beaten to death at the facility in front of his father.

The deceased, Manoj Rao, 28, of Gayathripuram 4th Cross, had been admitted to the ‘Best Future Foundation’ rehabilitation centre at Alanahalli. His parents have alleged that he was murdered at the centre.

Manoj and his father, Rajendra Rao, who were both undergoing treatment for alcohol addiction, were admitted to the centre on Sept. 13. On the night of Sept. 17, the centre staff informed the family that Manoj had died.

When the relatives reached the centre, they noticed injury marks on Manoj’s body and became suspicious. They later checked the CCTV footage, which allegedly showed Manoj with his hands and legs tied, a cloth stuffed in his mouth and his neck being strangled.

The footage also reportedly showed his father standing nearby, helplessly watching as Manoj was allegedly being assaulted.

Shocked by what they saw, the family staged a protest outside the centre. Police, after examining the CCTV footage, detained the centre owner, Lokesh, for questioning. He has been arrested now.

Centre accused of violating norms

Residents have alleged that the rehabilitation centre was being run without following the required rules and standards. They claimed that patients were being accommodated in cramped spaces and that the facility was being run mainly for profit.

They also alleged that the centre did not have psychiatrists, doctors, nurses or emergency medical staff to attend to inmates.

Manoj’s parents and relatives gathered outside the centre and expressed their anger over his death. A heated argument broke out between the family members and Lokesh, following which the Police intervened and brought the situation under control.

“The deceased’s relatives have not yet filed a formal complaint. However, the rehabilitation centre staff have been taken into custody for questioning. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Harsha Priyamvada told Star of Mysore.