Koraput circle jail lacks basic infrastructure

Koraput, Sep 21:

Nearly two years after it got the circle jail status, the Koraput jail lacks the required infrastructure, technology and manpower.

An additional 20 posts of warders were sanctioned when the status was conferred in December 2011. But new warders have not been posted so far. The jail is maintained by only 50 warders, including four women, jail sources said.

The six close circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in the jail are lying defunct since past several months while the additional 45 cameras required for a circle jail are yet to be installed.

“What is the use of installing CCTV cameras if it remains defunct most of the time? In 2004, the Maoists had attacked the jail and the Red danger continues. The government should ensure immediate functioning of the CCTVs going by the sensitivity of the area,” they said.

Moreover, as per the requirement of a circle jail, additional cells to house prisoners and for office rooms are yet to be constructed.

“We are facing problems without sufficient number of warders in the jail. We have informed our higher-ups of the problems and hope it will be fulfilled soon,” senior superintendent of Koraput circle jail B N Sahu said.

With top Maoist leader Muppalla Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathy reportedly directing the cadres to attack jails to rescue jailed top rebels, the security of Koraput jail has comes under scanner which houses at least 43 Maoists, including four hardcore ones.

Officials said after the Maoist attack of 2004, four watch-towers have been constructed inside the jail and a platoon of armed policemen guards it.

“Presently, the situation is under control. Adequate light arrangements have been made inside the jail and there are no blackout areas. However, security of the jail will be assessed and if necessary request for more armed guards will be made to the government,” Sahu said. (PTI)