Mohali De‑Addiction Centre Staff Protest Over Escape Attempt

February 9, 2026

In Mohali’s Sector 66, staff members of a government de‑addiction centre staged a sit‑in protest on Monday, raising serious concerns about their safety and the lack of adequate security at the facility. The demonstration came after an incident on Sunday when around 40 patients tried to flee the centre, resulting in scuffles with staff and security personnel. Officials, however, confirmed that none of the inmates managed to escape.

About 15 staff members including nursing and support personnel from the Health Department participated in the protest outside the centre office, demanding enhanced protection and greater police presence to safeguard employees working under high‑risk conditions.

What Happened During the Escape Attempt

According to witnesses and centre staff, the attempted breakout occurred at around 3:15 pm on Sunday when patients gathered during medication time and tried to force open a wooden door to flee the facility. Guards and the limited security present managed to block the door and prevent the inmates from breaking out.

The patients, many of whom are undergoing treatment under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, became restless and irritable, sources said, adding pressure on already strained staff. A police officer team later secured the rear ward and locked the iron gate from outside to fully contain the situation.

Centre officials and police maintained that no patient escaped the facility, dismissing rumours of successful breakout attempts. A daily diary report (DDR) has been recorded at Phase 11 police station regarding the incident.

Staff Safety Concerns and Demands

Staff members described the working environment as hostile and unsafe, especially given that patients can become agitated during treatment, particularly when medications are adjusted. Several employees said they often face pressure and confrontations from inmates, placing them in vulnerable positions with minimal security support.

Three employees were injured during the Sunday scuffle with inmates and security personnel, underscoring staff members’ fears about their safety while on duty. They have urged authorities to deploy additional police personnel and security guards at the centre to prevent future disturbances.

One senior health department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that in the absence of robust protective measures, staff members are left to deal with potentially volatile situations without sufficient backup.

Broader Security Context at De‑Addiction Centres

The Mohali incident is not isolated. Similar concerns have arisen in other rehabilitation facilities in Punjab, where security lapses have previously led to scuffles or even patients escaping from centres. Officials said such incidents underline the need for better infrastructure, staffing and police coordination at drug de‑addiction and rehabilitation units across the state.

Staff at de‑addiction centres often work with patients admitted under Section 27 of the NDPS Act, where individuals are not merely volunteers but are undergoing treatment as part of legal directives adding complexity to maintaining discipline and safety.

Next Steps and Official Response

Local police and health department authorities said they are assessing the situation and will take appropriate steps to strengthen security at the Mohali de‑addiction centre. While police have foiled the recent escape attempt, staff insist that permanent measures are needed to ensure their safety and the secure operation of the facility.

As Punjab continues its crackdown on drug abuse and substance addiction, attention to treatment centre safety protocols will be key to both staff welfare and effective rehabilitation outcomes.