Prisons in the State are overflowing with inmates. The Daltonganj central prison having a capacity of only 703 inmates houses more than 1,200 inmates at any point of time. The gathering worries civil, police, medical and judicial officials alike.
Acting principal district and sessions judge (PDJ) Palamu Pankaj Kumar 2 said, “The judiciary is too concerned over the inmates of the prison here. It was only February 26 that inspection of this prison was done. The jail authorities then were directed to do all for the save living of the inmates there in the prison.”
Acting PDJ Kumar further said, “We had held a medical camp there too. Civil surgeon has participated in it.” The PDJ said, “We are having a close monitoring of the premise of this prison here. All efforts are on to keep this prison safe.”
As regards the coronavirus PDJ Kumar said, “Jail authorities have been directed to make available hand wash, sanitiser and other logistics to keep the environment there in the prison healthy and fit.”
On being asked that kin/ relative of the inmates go to the prison and get in conversation with their respective inmates there to which acting PDJ said, “ This we call ‘Mulaqaat’. Jail officials are alert about this. They have been told to keep a tab on such visitors.”Pankaj Kumar 2 agreed that it would be too good if there is made sensor thermometer as then officials will find it easier to segregate fever running fellow from non fever one.
Reminded that Central jail, Daltonganj, has a capacity of only 703 prisons but it houses more than 1,200 inmates to which PDJ Kumar said, “Bailing out can decongest. But here the legal works remained crippled for a longer period of days and as a result the thining out process of the inmates by way of bails get jerked here.”
SP Palamu Ajay Linda said, “I have directed my police officials to have a thorough medical checkup of all accused caught and arrested by government doctors before putting them on judicial remand here.”
Linda said, “Each and every accused has to have a medical checkup before going in judicial remand.
This check up must be done in all gravity and seriousness. It should not be just a touch and go business. A thorough checkup will help at this stage screening out any accused down with any symptom that one so talks about in this coronavirus time.” Jailor Pramod Kumar said hand wash and sanitiser have been kept at the entrance where every newcomer to the prison has to first hand wash himself before getting inside.