147 inmates died in Jalandhar Central Jail in 15 years: RTI; Sangrur District Jail witnessed 44 deaths in same period

147 inmates died in Jalandhar Central Jail in 15 years: RTI

Sangrur District Jail witnessed 44 deaths in same period

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 24

An alarming number of 147 prisoners died in Jalandhar Central Jail at Kapurthala in the past 15 years, revealed the information procured under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The figures procured from 2001 to 2015 (till mid of July) revealed that maximum number of 45 deaths occurred in jail in 2014. Before this, 32 prisoners died in 2013, 11 each in 2011 and 2012, seven each in 2009 and 2010, four in 2008, five in 2007, one each in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In the current year, as many as 21 prisoners have died in this jail alone. An inmate had even died during the riots in jail in 2011.

Similarly, 28 prisoners sustained injuries in fights that took place inside the jail premises between 2011 and mid of July this year.

The medical officer of the jail has, however, termed drug addiction as the main cause behind the deaths. “Most of the prisoners who died following illness were those who were addicted to drugs and refused to take treatment to get rid of this abuse,” the medical officer said.

Perusal of the records procured of other jails from 2001 to 2015 revealed that 44 deaths took place in the Sangrur district jail; 17 in the Ropar district jail; 16 in the Barnala district jail; 14 in the Nabha district jail; nine in the New District Jail, Nabha; eight in Central Jail, Ferozepur; four in Sub-Jail, Malerkotla; three in Sub-Jail, Fazilka; and one in Sub-Jail, Muktsar. A woman prisoner too died in Women Jail, Ludhiana, during the corresponding period.

About the steps being taken by the jail authorities to keep a check on the number of deaths, the jail authorities said the barracks were searched everyday randomly for prohibited articles such as ropes and sharp objects for the safety and well being of the inmates.

“Besides, some good record convicts (nigraans) are placed inside every barrack for the security and safety of inmates. The jail warders, assistant superintendents, deputy superintendents and superintendents patrol the jail premises asking every nigraan in the barrack if there was any problem at night,” he said.

“Doctors and pharmacists have been deputed for the well being of inmates in all jails. The inmates are also allowed to participate in yoga sessions and play games such as volleyball, cricket, badminton and chess. The NGOs too visit the jails and volunteers talk to the inmates,” stated the jail authorities.

Courtesy: The Tribune