Hello,
In July, the problem of alcohol addiction in Tamil Nadu made the headlines after a horrific incident in Kallakurichi district, in which 66 people died of alcohol poisoning after consuming illicit liquor.
Another story from the district the following month received less attention: a 38-year-old man died, allegedly after being assaulted by members of a privately run de-addiction centre.
This was not an isolated incident. A 2021 study found that between 2013 and 2016, 13 such deaths had occurred at private centres across the country. As Johanna Deeksha found, Tamil Nadu has seen some of the most disturbing cases of this nature.
Speaking to individuals who had spent time at such centres in Chennai, she learnt of how they faced violent, inhuman treatment during their time as patients. And the families of those who died remain haunted by their decision to send their loved ones into the facilities.
“When individuals with addiction want to get help, they have the right to a dignified and safe environment, where they will be given proper food, medication and care, ” Deeksha said. “Nobody deserves to die in their endeavour to recover from addiction, which is a disease. The government must do more to ensure the safety of people seeking help.”
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Ajay Krishnan
Senior Editor
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