Death at rehab centre: Kin say murder, block road with body in protest

Times News NetworkBhopal: A day after an 18-year-old youth died allegedly by suicide at a de-addiction centre in Awadhpuri, his family members and local residents staged a protest on Friday by placing the body at Anna Nagar Square and blocking the road for nearly an hour. Claiming that the youth was murdered, the family levelled serious allegations against the de-addiction centre.The road blockade led to a major traffic jam in the area, with long queues of vehicles seen up to Chetak Bridge.According to the deceased’s family, S Chandu was admitted to a de-addiction centre in Awadhpuri for the past few days. On May 20, the family suddenly received information from the centre that his condition had become critical and he was admitted to AIIMS hospital. However, when the family reached the hospital, doctors declared him dead.While the centre management claimed that Chandu died by hanging himself, the family alleged that he was completely healthy and questioned the suicide theory, calling the death suspicious.At around 3 pm, a large number of people gathered at the square and sat on a protest along with the body. The protesters demanded immediate sealing of the de-addiction centre and registration of a murder case against its operators.Considering the seriousness of the matter, minister Vishvas Sarang reached the spot and spoke to the family members. He assured them that a fair investigation would be conducted and strict action would be taken against those found guilty.Following the minister’s intervention and assurance, the protest ended around 4 pm and the road blockade was cleared.Police said that prima facie the case appears to be one of suicide and an investigation has been initiated. However, keeping in view the allegations made by the family, all aspects of the case are being probed.