On Wednesday night, nine inmates escaped from the Punjab government-run de-addiction centre located in Ghabdan, about 10 km from Sangrur. This incident marks the third mass escape from the facility within the past year, raising serious concerns about security protocols. The escape occurred at approximately 10:30 PM when the group scaled the washroom grills. Among the escapees, five were charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while four were admitted voluntarily or by their families. Following the escape, police have managed to recapture two inmates, but efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining seven. The Ghabdan centre has gained notoriety for security lapses, with previous escapes reported on January 5, 2024, and July 21, 2025, where inmates fled during disturbances. In light of these incidents, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sukhdev Singh acknowledged that the administration is now considering new strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.