Sambalpur: ‘Samarth’ Institution Closed in Sambalpur; Allegations of Brutal Torture on Mental Health Patients, Manager Arrested

Shocking Abuse Captured on Video

Sambalpur: Mentally ill patients at ‘Samarth,’ a rehabilitation center in Sambalpur, faced brutal and inhumane treatment. A viral video revealed a disturbing scene where a male caretaker repeatedly beat a female patient with a stick, striking her chest, stomach, back, and legs. The abuse did not stop there—he even kicked her multiple times after she fell to the ground, helpless. Sadly, no one showed any compassion for the victim.

Male Patients Also Abused

Male patients were not spared from mistreatment either. In the same video, caretakers could be seen verbally abusing them with obscene language while mercilessly beating them.

Women’s Safety Compromised

Another video revealed an equally alarming situation: a male caretaker bathing a female patient while inappropriately touching her private parts. This blatant violation of privacy has outraged the community.

Poor Living Conditions

Patients at ‘Samarth’ were subjected to horrible conditions. During meals, they were fed stale rice in brass plates while being verbally and physically abused. There were no proper living arrangements for male and female residents, and basic hygiene and safety standards were ignored.

Police Take Action

The viral videos sparked widespread anger, leading to police intervention. Authorities raided the facility, questioned the residents, and arrested the director of ‘Samarth,’ Harish Dash. Social Security Officer Thabira Mahananda visited the facility and confirmed the abuse. He filed a complaint against Harish Dash and announced plans to shut down the center.

Facility to Be Shut Down

The authorities have decided to close ‘Samarth’ and relocate its 41 residents, including 19 women, to safer locations. Rengali MLA Sudarshan Haripal was also present during the raid to ensure transparency in the investigation.

History of ‘Samarth’

Since 2019, ‘Samarth,’ funded by the state government’s Social Security Department, has been rehabilitating mentally ill individuals found wandering in the streets. Despite receiving Rs. 24 lakh in grants annually, the facility failed to provide adequate care and maintain basic standards.

Staffing and Capacity Issues

The center is designed to accommodate up to 50 patients, but it has always been understaffed. While seven employees are required to manage operations, only four or five have been on duty. Additionally, residents have been cramped into small rooms, sometimes with four or five people locked together, causing distress and violence among them.

Neighbors Speak Out

Locals living near the facility revealed they often heard patients crying and screaming. Despite complaints, no action was taken until the videos came to light.

This incident sheds light on the dire conditions faced by vulnerable individuals in institutions meant to protect them. Authorities must ensure stricter monitoring and accountability to prevent such abuse in the future.