The undercover operation at Regional Mental Hospital (RMH), Thane, that uncovered the bribery racket for admission of sane people also revealed the intention of their relatives. In most cases, people who illegally locked up their relatives were embroiled in a property dispute, said sources. The facility also faces the issue of prolonged stay, with the asylum’s data showing 58 patients overstaying their admission for over 20 years.

The relatives then don’t visit their family member, who has to face torture under the garb of medical treatment,” said a source at the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH), Thane.