Ludhiana: In a major strike against organised crime, Khanna police have dismantled a network of four illegal de-addiction centers allegedly used by gangsters as recruitment hubs and torture chambers.Under the banner of Operation Prahaar, police and health department officials rescued more than 150 “victims” during simultaneous raids at Ghungrali Rajputan, Gobindpura, and Rara Sahib. Authorities revealed that these facilities, rather than providing reformation candidates with medical care, were being used to recruit “foot soldiers” for criminal gangs.The Gangster ConnectionThe crackdown follows the interrogation of associates linked to Ravi Rajgarh, a notorious gangster. Investigations found that local criminals were using these unregulated centres to identify and radicalise vulnerable individuals. Interrogation reports confirmed that besides social media, these centers served as a primary base for hiring muscle.Using the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) app, police identified several rescued “inmates” as having criminal records. Among those apprehended was a proclaimed offender and associate of Vicky Marado, wanted in a 2020 Arms Act case.Survivors Recount HorrorsRescued inmates described a “living hell” inside the facilities, where up to 70 people were crammed into a single room. “We were beaten up with sticks if we said we were tired,” one of the rescued men told reporters. “There were no doctors. We were given only two meals a day — one at 10am and another at 8pm — and forced to perform heavy labour all day.”Legal Action and Financial ProbeKhanna senior superintendent of police (SSP), Darpan Ahluwalia, confirmed that FIRs (first-information reports) were being registered against the centre’s owners for fraud, wrongful confinement, torture, and violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. “These victims will undergo medical examinations and be transitioned to legitimate govt de-addiction centres,” Ahluwalia said.She added that the police were now launching a financial investigation and digital forensic analysis to map the entire criminal network. The police reaffirmed their commitment to breaking the nexus between drug peddlers and organised gangs in the Malwa region.
