The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Odisha Himan Rights Commission (OHRC) to act over the failure of prison officials resulting in fear and chaos in the Jharpada Special Jail, Bhubaneswar.
Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy moved the Commission urging its intervention citing the lapse of security measures in the jail.On February 25, 2014 three cobras were found in the premise of the jail. The inmates had complained about poisonous snakes. The snakes could have sneaked into the jail by any means or they might have been living in the vicinity. The snake helpline had rescued over 12 poisonous snakes from the jail premises in the last two years.
The prevalence of poisonous snakes in the highly populated jail that houses 700 inmates spreading over 16 acre pose serious question of human rights, Radhakanta alleged.He requested the Commission to direct the State to immediately ensure safety in the jail and keep close vigil over the prevalence of snakes and panic among the inmates of the jail.The NHRC in exercise of Power under section 13(6) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 transferred the case to the OHRC for disposal.