Prisoners in Odisha jail launch stir for smoking ganja

Bargarh: As many as 250 prisoners were forced to fast for a day as a group of inmates launched hunger strike pressing for various demands, including permission for consuming ganja inside a sub-jail in Odisha yesterday. The incident has been reported from Bargarh Sub-jail in the district,  where some hardcore criminals lodged in the prison sat on a dharna over their demands on Wednesday.

Around 10 out of 250 prisoners launched the hunger strike yesterday. As part of the protest, they shut the kitchen of the jail.  As a result, breakfast and lunch could not be prepared and all inmates had to starve throughout the day.

Sources said the prisoners were on the strike demanding the jail authorities to allow them for smoking weed and consume tobacco inside the prison. They also demanded for mobile phone facility for them and permission to meet their families as per their convenience.

Even after intervention of District Judge, the agitating inmates did not budge and continued their stir. However, normalcy returned in the evening and the inmates were served food after 7.30  PM, informed Jailer Nilima Kulu.