February 13: Medical officials have concluded that the death of the 31-year-old man at the REWA rehabilitation in Thimphu was caused by injuries he had received.

Dr Pakila Drukpa, a forensic expert with the national referral hospital, said external physical examination showed that the 31-year-old had succumbed to injuries he had received. He said the wounds he had received did not appear to be accidental.

Police have described the case as involuntary manslaughter. They said those who inflicted the injuries lacked motive and preparation to be categorized as murder. The incident took on the evening February 7, the eve of the losar.

Now REWA wears a deserted look. Nine staff and a client have been detained by the police. Before the incident, there were 37 people undergoing treatment at REWA. Except for five, all the others have all gone away.

Eyewitnesses said the 31-year-old was beaten with cricket bats after he hit another client undergoing treatment in REWA. Following the incident and with the founders and staff now in police custody, Youth Development Fund (YDF) has decided to shut down REWA.

In a press release, YDF said after discovering that the founders and the staff of REWA have misused their power and authority which incidentally cost the life of a client, it has decided to stop all financial support to REWA. The YDF will now work to reestablish the five clients who want to be rehabilitated under a new management.

REWA was established in 2004 as a counseling centre for people with alcohol and drug related problems. Since its establishment, Rewa has rehabilitated 105 youth. From there more then 50 went on to lead productive lives.