Bhubaneswar: A youth undergoing de-addiction treatment at a rehabilitation centre in Jharpada area of Bhubaneswar died under mysterious circumstances on Thursday.
While the family members of the youth alleged that he was murdered over outstanding dues, the centre maintained that the man succumbed to an ailment.
The deceased, identified as Prashant Nayak from Nayagarh district, had been undergoing treatment at the centre for the last around six months.
Prashant’s mother said that the family had already paid Rs two lakh to the rehab centre for his treatment, but the authorities allegedly demanded Rs 7,000 more. Unable to make further payments, she urged the rehab centre to discharge his son. However, the rehab centre insisted on more money.
The rehab centre contacted Prashant’s family in the morning and informed them that he had lost consciousness and was taken to the Capital Hospital. However, upon reaching the hospital, the family was informed that he had already passed away on the way.
Alleging that Prashant was beaten to death by the staff at the rehab centre, his family has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
Refuting the allegation, the rehab centre staff claimed that Prashant’s blood pressure had suddenly shot up the previous night and he was administered medication. The youth sppeared stable until morning when he suddenly became unresponsive. and the staff immediately took him to the hospital where doctors declared him dead, claimed a rehab centre employee.
