26 people rescued from illegal centre
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 05 2022:
A combined team of Health Department and Imphal East district police on Monday rescued around 26 people, who were forcefully detained at a centre under Lamlai PS, which was found operating against the guidelines of The Manipur Home and Clinic Registration Act 1992.According to a police report, a video went viral on social media of a woman crying and claiming that she was being forcefully detained, based on which police launched an operation and found that the place in question was called Bethel Healing Centre, Yaingangpokpi.
On Sunday, a combined team of the district police and the health department officials visited the Centre and found that it was being operated by one Thangjam Pumima (44) w/o (L) Prem of Sanjenbam Makha Leikai.
The centre was not registered as a centre under The Manipur Home and Clinic Registration Act, 1992 but as a Trust.
After a detailed discussion with the director of Health Department, SP Imphal East and officials concerned, a combined team of Health Department and Imphal East District Police accompanied by a psychiatrist from the department visited the centre on Monday.
The inmates then underwent a diagnosis for their illness and brought out from the centre via an ambulance.
Of the 26 rescued inmates, 3 have been admitted to JNIMS as per their ailments and body conditions, 2 at de-addiction centre, 10 (male) at Halfway Home Tezpur and 8 (female) at Halfway Home, Wangjing, while three others were allowed to go home.
All of the rescued people were either suffering from mental illness or drug addiction issues and had been abandoned by their families.
Amongst them, two are from Nagaland.
On questioning, Purnima revealed that she opened the centre as she wanted to help the people suffering from mental illness.
She further stated that the inmates were provided with the necessary treatment.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has sent legal notice to Purnima, enquiring how the centre was being run and further notifying her to respond to the notice within 15 days.
On the other hand, with regard to the incident, CM N Biren posted on his Facebook account, stating that legal action will be initiated against any unjustified detention of people.
He then said that there has been an increase of individuals, organisations and private banks working illegally and as such, appealed to the people not to be involved with sectors not recognised by the government.