Assam: Mysterious death of youth sparks outcry at rehab centre in Margherita

A tragic and mysterious death of a youth has once again cast a shadow over the controversial New Life Foundation Rehabilitation Centre in Bargolai, Margherita, Assam. David Phukan, a 35-year-old youth from Lahowal in Dibrugarh district, died under mysterious circumstances at the facility on Sunday night.

Phukan had been undergoing de-addiction treatment at the centre for nearly a year. His sudden and unexplained death has alarmed his family, who have raised serious allegations against the rehabilitation facility, which is reportedly owned by Rupam Gogoi.

According to the deceased’s father and relatives, the management of New Life Foundation allegedly transported the body to the family’s residence without administering any form of preliminary medical care or alerting authorities. They further claim that many inmates at the centre have been victims of both physical and mental abuse.

The Margherita police have launched an investigation into the case, and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, the centre’s owner, Rupam Gogoi, is reported to be absconding.

This is not the first time the rehabilitation centre has come under public scrutiny. Local residents and community watchdogs have pointed out that several similar incidents of death have previously occurred at the same facility, yet no significant punitive action has been taken by the authorities.

Activists have long alleged that the centre operates in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Public outrage is now growing, with several conscious citizen groups and social organizations demanding immediate and stringent action by the sub-divisional administration to shut down the facility or bring it under strict regulation.