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Mohali, February 10, 2026 – About 40 patients together tried to escape from the government de-addiction center in Sector 66 on Sunday afternoon, but alert security staff and police stopped anyone from escaping.

The incident occurred around 3:15 pm during medicine distribution, when patients gathered and tried to force open the wooden door to exit. The security guards present outside immediately became aware of the commotion and closed the door from outside, stopping the repeated pushing and shoving. Additionally, two deployed policemen herded the angry group into a back ward and closed an iron gate from outside, resulting in no injuries to patients and no major casualties to staff (although some reports suggest minor scuffles and injuries to staff, leading to protests on Monday).

Officials and police confirmed that none of the patients managed to escape. The case was reported at Phase 11 police station, where a Daily Diary Report (DDR) was filed.

Staff explained the ongoing security risks: As part of Punjab’s anti-drug campaign, many patients are admitted under Section 27 of the NDPS Act, often involuntarily, leading to attempts to escape. He recounts past incidents, including attacking a guard and managing to escape through the roof. With only two policemen on duty, workers are demanding stronger protection, and warning of dangers to doctors and support staff.

Authorities clarified that dose reduction during treatment may result in irritability, which requires experienced handling. Police have been asked to take action, and there are no reports of any further escapes.

The center has grown to 100 beds and is often close to capacity. It highlights the challenges of managing court-ordered drug addiction amid Punjab’s “war on drugs.”