Top News

The accused Manas Jyoti Saikia and Raja Saha in police custody. (AT Photo)

Biswanath, June 4: Authorities have apprehended two individuals linked to the violent mistreatment of young residents at de-addiction centres in Biswanath, following the emergence of shocking videos that sparked significant public outrage throughout the district.

The suspects have been named as Manas Jyoti Saikia and Raja Saha. They face charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are currently under police interrogation.

The arrests were prompted by the circulation of two distinct videos online, each depicting young men enduring severe physical abuse at separate de-addiction facilities in Biswanath.

During a press conference on Thursday, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajagauran Basumatary stated that the Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Officer-in-Charge of Biswanath Chariali promptly visited the Live Well Rehabilitation Centre to commence an investigation after the videos gained traction.

An official from the District Social Welfare Department filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Biswanath Chariali Police Station, leading to the formal registration of the case by the police.

"Following the filing of the FIR by the District Social Welfare Department officials, we swiftly registered the case," Basumatary remarked.

According to the SSP, the two viral videos are associated with incidents occurring at two different facilities over two separate years.

One video is linked to an event at the Live Well Rehabilitation Centre from 2024, while the other, originating from the Pratigya Wellness Foundation, dates back to 2025.

Pratigya Wellness Foundation is co-owned by Manas Jyoti Saikia and Gautam Daimary. "At the time of the 2025 incident, they were partners, but currently, Saikia is managing it independently," Basumatary explained.

Two additional individuals implicated in the case, Gautam Daimary of Pratigya Wellness Foundation and Munna Hazarika of Live Well Rehabilitation Centre, are currently evading capture.

"We are optimistic about apprehending them shortly," the SSP added.

When asked about the potential closure of the facilities, Basumatary expressed caution, indicating that discussions would be held with the District Commissioner, considering that patients are presently receiving treatment at these centres.

"Shutting down the centres could create complications. We will consult with the DC to determine the best course of action," he stated.

He also mentioned that a thorough investigation is in progress to ascertain whether the centres adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and he intends to request a ministerial-level inquiry to assess compliance across similar facilities.

The investigation may extend beyond the two centres currently under examination. According to reliable sources, it could result in actions against several other de-addiction centres and their owners in the area.