Chemical Engineer Arrested for Murder at Delhi Drug Rehabilitation Facility
NEW DELHI: In a shocking incident highlighting vulnerabilities within rehabilitation centers, a 27-year-old chemical engineer was arrested on Friday for allegedly murdering a fellow inmate by slitting his throat at a private drug de-addiction facility in Alipur, Outer Delhi. The attack, stemming from a prior altercation, has raised serious questions about safety and oversight at such establishments.
Early Morning Stabbing Leads to Death
Police received information around 4 am regarding a stabbing in Hiranki village. A team from the local police station rushed to the de-addiction centre, where they discovered bloodstains in multiple areas on the premises. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Arun Kumar from Burari, had already been transported to Burari Hospital before authorities arrived. Doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead upon arrival.
According to Kumar's family, he hailed from an economically disadvantaged background, with his father working as a rickshaw driver. They revealed that Kumar had struggled with addiction since his teenage years, which led to his admission at the rehabilitation centre for treatment.
Suspect Apprehended with Weapon at Scene
A case under section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was promptly registered. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Hareshwar Swami stated that the suspect, identified as Arun Joshi, was found at the centre and taken into custody. The knife believed to have been used in the crime was recovered from his possession.
"During interrogation, the accused disclosed that a quarrel had occurred between the two a few days ago. During the altercation, Kumar allegedly abused him. To exact revenge, the accused committed the act," DCP Swami explained.
Details of the Fatal Attack Emerge
Another police officer provided chilling details, indicating the incident took place around 3:30 am while Kumar was asleep. Joshi allegedly attacked him with a knife, slitting his throat. At the time, approximately 27 patients were present at the centre, along with guards on duty, yet the assault went unchecked initially.
Background of the Accused Chemical Engineer
Arun Joshi, a resident of Tri Nagar, completed his schooling and graduation in Rohini and earned a degree in chemical engineering in 2019 from a local college. Police noted that his father operates a rented medical shop near their residence.
"During inquiry, it was revealed that Joshi had developed a habit of consuming cannabis during his college years around 2015. He was admitted to the private de-addiction Centre in Hiranki about nine months ago for treatment and rehabilitation," DCP Swami added, shedding light on Joshi's own struggles with substance abuse.
Investigation Expands to Centre's Operations
Authorities have secured CCTV footage from the premises, which reportedly shows Joshi at the scene during the incident. A senior officer mentioned that investigators are scrutinizing the de-addiction centre's records and probing potential negligence on their part, given the presence of guards and other patients.
History of Issues with Delhi De-addiction Centres
This tragic event is not isolated. In December of last year, police arrested the owner of an illegal de-addiction centre in southwest Delhi's Dichaon Kalan following the death of a man admitted there. Similarly, in December 2024, authorities busted a de-addiction centre in Outer Delhi's Nangloi that was allegedly exacerbating inmates' addictions by supplying high-dose drugs.
That private facility was also reported to function as a hub for drug traffickers, who sourced, packaged, and sold narcotics to both youth at the center and others in the surrounding area, underscoring systemic problems in some rehabilitation setups.
The case continues to unfold as police delve deeper into the circumstances, aiming to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.
