Pune: ‘Anup’ dies by suicide at de-addiction centre after craving for drugs

Pune: A drug addict youth who hanged himself to death at a de-addiction centre in the city because he did not get drug tablets there.

The incident took place at around 10 am on Wednesday at the Nityanand Rehabilitation Centre in Hinjawadi. The deceased has been identified as Anup Lokhande (21), a resident of Tadiwala Road.

According to the details, Anup was addicted to drugs. He used to buy them from Raju Pawale, the son of a bootlegger in the locality. Anup visited Sarasbaug to celebrate the Annabhau Sathe Jayanti on August 1.

He came home at 8 am on August 2 under the influence of the drug. He did not have his two-wheeler and mobile phone with him, which have not been traced till date. His mother admitted him to the de-addiction centre that day. However, he hanged himself to death in the bathroom there.

In the complaint lodged with the police, his mother has demanded a strict action against Anup’s friends and Raju Pawale, who allegedly made him an addict. The Bund Garden Police are registering a case in this regard.

Bharati Lokhande, Anup’s mother, said, “Drugs are sold openly in the Tadiwala Road area with the blessings of the police. Youths are falling prey to addiction due to this. I have lost my son. I wish this does not happen with anyone else. The police should take action against drug suppliers.”

Sr PI Ravindra Gaikwad said, “We have launched an inquiry after recording the complainant’s statement. We will take action as per the findings in the inquiry.