Shillong: Allegations have surfaced against a city-based rehabilitation centre, Kripa Foundation, with a recovering addict questioning the ethical alignment of the institution’s leadership and its links to the alcohol trade, even as it receives government funds to combat substance abuse.
In a detailed account shared publicly, the individual—who claims to have been battling addiction for seven years—raised concerns over what he described as a “painful contradiction” between rehabilitation efforts and alleged associations with alcohol business interests in the state.
He claimed that persons connected to the leadership of Kripa Foundation are also linked to a bonded warehouse located at Lachumiere, adjacent to the office of DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission), a Meghalaya government initiative.
The individual stated that Kripa Foundation has been receiving substantial financial assistance from the Government of Meghalaya and DREAM to support addiction treatment and rehabilitation programmes. While clarifying that he was not making direct accusations, he said the perceived overlap between rehabilitation work and alcohol commerce raises ethical questions.
“If there is even a perception that those leading rehabilitation efforts are simultaneously linked to alcohol commerce, it raises serious concerns,” he said, adding that recovering addicts have the right to seek clarity as their recovery depends on trust and integrity within the system.
The statement comes from a member of a grassroots fellowship of recovering addicts in Shillong who claim to conduct door-to-door outreach, provide psycho-social support, and assist families dealing with substance abuse.
According to him, the group gained visibility in 2024 during a period when vigilante groups were reportedly rounding up addicts in parts of Shillong and sending them outside the state to rehabilitation centres. He said members of his fellowship advocated against forced confinement and worked to secure the release of several individuals.
The recovering addict said he has remained sober for 20 months through peer support and community-based recovery efforts. He further claimed that despite submitting proposals and attending meetings over the past two years, his group has struggled to secure government support for their work, which includes assisting children living with HIV and individuals battling addiction.
“We are not asking for privilege or favour. We are asking for support to continue helping addicts and vulnerable children with dignity,” he stated, alleging that grassroots organisations without political connections often find it difficult to access funding or institutional backing.
He also questioned whether the current system adequately addresses the root causes of addiction. “If supply remains strong while rehabilitation is funded to manage the damage, are we solving the problem or managing its consequences?” he asked.
Kripa Foundation and the concerned authorities have not yet responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
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