KATHUA, FEBRUARY 07, 2026: Acting on the direct orders of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, the district administration of Kathua has sealed an illegal facility operating under the name Navyoug Drug Counselling and Rehabilitation Centre.
Located in Ward No. 17, the centre was found to be operating in total violation of government norms, lacking the mandatory permissions and licenses required from competent authorities to provide medical and rehabilitative care.
The enforcement operation was carried out by a multi-departmental team led by Tehsildar Vikram Kumar, alongside the Drug Inspector, medical experts from the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) office, and local police. Investigations revealed that the facility, owned by local resident Naresh Kumar, was being managed by Shaman Sood, an individual from Ludhiana, Punjab. Beyond the lack of operational licensing, the building owner failed to produce a registered rent deed or provide mandatory tenant verification to the Kathua Police Station, further breaching administrative safety protocols.
Following the discovery of these multiple legal infractions, the building was immediately locked and sealed by the revenue and police officials. The district administration has issued a stern warning that any unauthorised rehabilitation facilities found operating without proper oversight will face similar shutdowns. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and to guarantee that drug de-addiction services meet the stringent healthcare standards necessary for patient welfare.
