The owner of Alive Again Foundation in Chandrapur, Hatisla, Guwahati, Arup Jerial Passah has dismissed allegations made by the Meghalaya Users Forum (MUF) that his rehabilitation center mistreats and harasses patients seeking treatment for addiction. Passah described the accusations as baseless, viewing them as an attempt to damage his reputation. In response, he announced plans to file a defamation suit against the MUF, seeking compensation for the unfounded claims.
Passah invited anyone interested to visit his rehabilitation center to witness firsthand whether it complies with government regulations, insisting that his facility strictly adheres to all required standards. He questioned why those behind the allegations remained silent when previous incidents occurred elsewhere, suggesting that the current accusations are aimed at undermining his center for business reasons, rather than reflecting genuine concern.
Passah firmly denied accusations of abuse, stating that there has never been any physical harm inflicted on patients at his facility. He acknowledged that disciplinary warnings have been issued to some patients to encourage compliance with treatment, but stressed that no violence was involved. He also disputed claims from former residents, stating they were fabricated and without basis in reality.
Regarding a recent incident involving the deaths of two individuals, Passah emphasized that Assam police and government officials reviewed CCTV footage from the facility and found no evidence of wrongdoing. He explained that the individuals were taken to the hospital after falling ill, where doctors reported that they died of heart attacks. He maintained that the families were informed of the medical situation promptly and that there was no attempt to conceal information.
Passah expressed disappointment over what he called false news spreading without substantiated facts, asserting that his rehabilitation center was established after difficulties in working with other organizations. He lamented that some former patients, despite the help they received, now deny the positive changes they experienced.
The MUF’s accusations include claims that patients were mistreated, tied up, and even driven to suicide or shot. MUF President Jay Nongrum has criticized the rehabilitation center, citing inadequate food, shelter and medical care, alongside allegations of abuse. The organization has appealed to the government to ensure that patients’ human rights are protected, particularly following the recent deaths.
However, sources indicate that the families of the deceased individuals were not consulted by the MUF before the complaint was made, leading to dissatisfaction among the relatives. Local youths living at the Alive Again Foundation expressed their support for Passah, stating that they receive proper medical care, sufficient food and appropriate treatment aimed at helping them transform their lives.
Also, they denied any incidents of physical abuse as alleged by the MUF.
