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Lucknow, August 28, 2025 – In a move that highlights growing concerns over unregulated rehab facilities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stepped in after reports of a man’s tragic death in a de-addiction center in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 38-year-old victim, who struggled with alcohol addiction, reportedly died from injuries caused by physical torture at the center. This case has sparked outrage and calls for stricter oversight of such places across the state.
The story began on August 17 when the man was admitted to a de-addiction center in Gautam Budh Nagar district, near Noida. But things took a quick turn, within just 30 minutes, he was shifted to another facility in Meerut. He spent only two days there before his health worsened dramatically. The center’s staff alerted his family, who rushed him to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. Sadly, doctors declared him dead on arrival. His grieving family insists that brutal beatings at the Meerut center were to blame, pointing to visible signs of abuse on his body.
What makes this even more alarming is the lack of proper regulation. A local official from the District Tobacco Control Cell revealed that no de-addiction centers in Gautam Budh Nagar are officially registered or authorized to operate. These places often run without licenses, leaving vulnerable people at risk of mistreatment. The NHRC, acting on its own after seeing media coverage, described the situation as a serious violation of human rights. On August 27, it sent notices to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and the state’s top police officer, demanding a full report within two weeks. They want details on what happened, plus an update on all de-addiction centers in UP, how many are there, are they legal, and what steps are being taken to prevent abuse.
This isn’t the first time such issues have come up in Uttar Pradesh. Back in 2023, similar deaths were reported in centers in Noida and Ghaziabad, where inmates allegedly faced torture. Those cases also prompted NHRC action, but critics say not enough has changed. Experts argue that without strong rules, these centers can become hotspots for exploitation. Families desperate to help loved ones with addiction often don’t check credentials, leading to heartbreaking outcomes.
Human rights groups are praising the NHRC’s quick response. The commission, set up under the 1993 Protection of Human Rights Act, has the power to investigate without waiting for complaints. It’s like a watchdog for the vulnerable, ensuring governments are held accountable. In this case, they’re pushing for justice and reforms to protect others.
As the UP government prepares its response, questions linger: Will this lead to raids on illegal centers? Could there be compensation for the family or charges against those responsible? For now, the victim’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in unchecked facilities. Addiction is tough enough, no one should die seeking help.
