Pramesh S Jain
Serious allegations have surfaced against officials of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison,with claims that inmates are being forced to pay money for allocation to specific barracks and subjected to assault if they refuse.
According to complaints filed by family members and lawyers of undertrial prisoners,certain prison staff allegedly demanded money in exchange for providing “special barrack”facilities.
It is alleged that different amounts were fixed for different barracks and that inmates who failed to pay were harassed and physically assaulted.
The controversy comes in the backdrop of recent administrative changes in the prisons department under senior police officer,Alok Kumar,who has reportedly introduced stricter regulations.
Sources claim that the tightening of rules has curtailed alleged unofficial sources of income within the prison system,leading to resentment among some staff members.
In one instance,four undertrial prisoners were allegedly assaulted for refusing to pay the demanded amount. Lawyers representing two of the inmates have submitted a formal complaint to senior authorities.
The wife of an undertrial prisoner identified as Shiva, accompanied by legal counsel,has also approached higher officials and filed a complaint before the State Human Rights Commission,alleging that nearly 25 prison staff members were involved in the assault.
The complaint further states that Shiva and another undertrial prisoner,Soma,who have been in custody for the past few years,were beaten for declining to pay for a special barrack.
The family has sought immediate medical examination and proper treatment for the injured inmates,along with an impartial inquiry into the allegations.
Prison authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the claims.
