Pramesh S Jain
In a move aimed at curbing the use of narcotic substances inside prisons, the Karnataka Prisons Department has decided to conduct drug tests on inmates in all prisons across the state.
The decision comes in the wake of repeated incidents of drugs being smuggled into prisons.
Recently, on March 9,a case was reported at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru where a staff member allegedly attempted to bring narcotic substances inside the jail premises.
Officials said similar incidents have been reported in several prisons in the state in the past.To address the issue and work toward making prisons drug-free,the department has initiated a systematic drug-testing programme for inmates with the support of NIMHANS.
Under this initiative,inmates will be tested for the consumption of substances such as ganja,heroin and cocaine.
In the first phase,around 10 per cent of inmates in all prisons will undergo the tests.
The tests will be conducted by prison medical officers using special kits provided by the department,said Director General of Prisons Alok Kumar.
Authorities clarified that inmates who test positive for drug consumption will not face criminal cases.Instead, they will be provided counselling and medical treatment. Prisoners found to be severely addicted will be admitted to hospitals for de-addiction treatment.
Officials said the objective of the programme is to rehabilitate inmates and help them return to a normal life through counselling and medical care rather than punitive action.
