Admitting that some influential inmates in the prisons are misusing outside hospital facilities feigning illness, the state government on Friday submitted before the High Court that the hospitals attached to central prisons have to be equipped with modern facilities to curb the misuse of ‘outside hospital facilities’ by the prisoners.
“The absence of good quality treatment in prison hospitals gives the opportunity to prisoners to flee from the jail premises citing illness. So modern facilities and the service of specialist doctors should be provided in the jail hospitals as required,” state said.
Assistant Inspector General of police P Ashok Kumar filed the affidavit in response to a suo motu proceedings by the Kerala High Court regarding the special privileges enjoyed by the ‘VIP’ convicts in prisons. The court had asked the state police chief to file an affidavit regarding the implementation of suggestions by Additional Director General of Police (prisons) to reform the jails in the state.
According to the affidavit, suggestions of the ADGP are to be implemented immediately. The state will constitute a special squad under the leadership of a Superintendent of Central prison to conduct frequent checks in the jails.
It will certainly discourage the illegal possession of contraband articles. Implementation of body scanners at the main gate of jails will help find out illegal trafficking of contraband items.
The government will rectify shortage of staff in the prisons, affidavit pointed out. “The state will also consider the recommendation made by the committee that the escort for prisoners will be entrusted with the warder, by increasing the staff strength. Owing to shortage of staff there are delays in getting timely police escort for the prisoners,” AIG Ashok Kumar said.
The deployment of policemen for escort duty is in addition to the law and order duties. The department was forced to withdraw policemen from field duties which adversely affect law and order maintenance. “When the escort of prisoners is entrusted with the warder staff they can take care of the prisoners by understanding their behaviour and psychology,” the state said.
The video-conferencing system connecting courts and the jails was started in five districts, including Ernakulam. Though video conferencing system has been introduced, its functioning and use have not reached the expected levels. The operation of the system and the expenses and men required for transporting prisoners to courts from jails can be reduced. Hence the video-conferencing system should be expedited, the state said.
Comments
0 comment