SAMBALPUR: Disturbing videos of inmates being reportedly subjected to abuse at a rehabilitation centre for the mentally disabled in Netaji Nagar within Dhanupali police limits here came to light on Monday sparking widespread outrage.
In the videos that are now going viral, inmates can be seen brutally thrashed at the centre ‘Samartha’. The perpetrators, suspected to be the staff of the facility, can also be seen verbally abusing the inmates while serving food.
It is being alleged that the inmates were not being provided proper food and medicines. The centre currently houses 44 inmates.
The videos were reportedly sent to Rengali MLA Sudarshan Haripal by a caretaker who was engaged at the centre for a brief period and recently left the job. After being alerted by Haripal, a team from Dhanupali police station visited the facility to investigate and verify the authenticity of the videos.
Sources said police have reportedly confirmed that the inmates were being ill-treated at the facility. Besides, gross mismanagement have been found at the centre.
Meanwhile, district social security officer (DSSO) Thabira Mahanand ordered immediate suspension of the rehabilitation centre’s operations. The Sambalpur collector also ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident to identify the perpetrators.
Assuring legal action, Mahanand said an FIR will be lodged against those found guilty of committing these inhumane acts. Alternative arrangements will also be made for the inmates.
Official sources informed that the inmates will be temporarily shifted to the integrated infrastructure complex at Baijamunda. Subsequently, another agency will be entrusted with the responsibility of running the centre.
Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Tophan Bag said two suspected staff of the centre have been detained for questioning. Further action will be taken once the FIR is lodged in this regard. Police have also been deployed at the facility.
Samartha’s owner Harishchandra Das feigned ignorance about the abuse of inmates. “I came to know about it after police visited the facility. The previous caretaker who shared the video also did not inform me anything. We will cooperate with police and the authorities in taking necessary action against those abusing the inmates,” he added.