Over 100 addicts escape as mob storms rehab centre

A drug addicts rehabilitation in Orangi Town was attacked by an angry mob on Saturday night, leading to the escape of over 125 patients undergoing treatment.

The "Sunshine Rehab Centre," reportedly managed by Sindh Police officer Abdul Khaliq Ansari, came under siege from residents of the surrounding Faqir Colony, who expressed longstanding grievances against the facility.

According to police, the mob stormed the centre, assaulted staff, vandalised property, and attacked a police vehicle. The police mobile was damaged during the vandalism.

Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Mominabad police station, and a search operation is underway to locate the escaped patients.

According to PS Mominabad SHO Meraj Anwar, initial investigations suggest the attack was not carried out by drug traffickers but rather by local residents frustrated with the behaviour of addicts. They had reportedly raised multiple complaints about theft, vandalism, and general disturbances allegedly caused by addicts escaping the rehab centre and trespassing into nearby homes.

"The rehabilitation centre is located in a densely populated area, and the residents claim they have been living in fear and inconvenience for months," said SHO Anwar. According to the FIR, 50 to 150 unidentified assailants - including seven named suspects: Muhammad Shakeel, Aslam Boxer, Abid Rehmat, Muhammad Saeed, Qari Azhar, Khalid Shah, and Abrar - stormed the centre, many armed with guns, sticks, and stones. The mob allegedly broke into the patient barracks, facilitating the escape of 117, and damaged property, including LED screens, fans, a water dispenser, chairs, and government vehicles. Rs85,000 in cash was also reported stolen during the chaos.

Police stated that before the attack, several patients had escaped the facility by jumping over the boundary walls, prompting local residents to raise security concerns. Despite initial assurances from the centre's management to apprehend the escapees and tighten security, the situation worsened when more residents arrived and forced their entry into the premises.

In response to the incident, local residents staged a protest outside the centre again on Sunday. Many demanded the immediate closure of the facility, accusing it of mismanagement and criminal activity. Speaking during the protest, Town Vice Chairman Abdullah Baloch alleged that although the centre was initially opened to provide free treatment five years ago, it now charges huge fees from patients' families. He further claimed that illicit drugs are being sold within the centre and that those undergoing treatment are subjected to harsh and inhumane treatment.

"Due to this cruelty, patients often flee the centre and enter nearby homes, leading to panic and anger among residents," said Baloch. He alleged that shots were fired inside the facility during Saturday's incident, putting lives at risk.

Union Council Chairman Mumtaz Tanoli echoed these concerns. "No one truly knows what is happening inside the centre anymore," he said. "When residents approached the facility with complaints, they were reportedly fired upon instead of being heard. This act provoked further anger and led to the unfortunate confrontation."

Tanoli demanded the withdrawal of the FIR, which he claimed wrongly implicated local residents as drug dealers. He called for a thorough investigation into the centre's operations and accountability for any misconduct.

Police have registered the case under multiple charges, including rioting, vandalism, assault, attempted murder, issuing threats, and destruction of government property. Meanwhile, the search for the escaped patients continues, and the future of the rehabilitation centre remains uncertain as authorities assess the situation and weigh residents' concerns.