Ambulance unavailable, 60 CCTV cameras out-of-order in Jalgaon Jail

• Reality in Jalgaon District Jail exposed

• State Human Rights Commission takes cognizance of the situation

• Orders to reply by 1st December

(Credit – Deshdoot)

Mumbai – For the past several years, Jalgaon District Jail has been without an ambulance, and 60 CCTV cameras are currently out-of-order. The State Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance of this situation following its revelation in the report submitted by the Jail Superintendent. A response has been requested from the State Home Secretary and Additional Director General of Prisons by 1st December.

1. A letter requesting an ambulance was sent to Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil on 13th February, 2022. Following this, the purchase proposal was presented to the Collector and members of the District Planning Committee on 14th February, 2022. Although a purchase proposal was submitted on 27th June, administrative approval for it is still pending. (Why so much delay in getting approval ? If this is how the administration functions, then what is the use of such an administration ? – Editor)

2. 60 CCTV cameras were installed on 15th  December 2016 for security purposes but currently they are out-of-order. (How did the CCTV cameras go out-of-order in just 7 years ? Why hasn’t anyone taken steps to repair them ? Those neglecting their responsibility to maintain the CCTV cameras should be jailed ! – Editor)

3. This jail accommodates more than twice its intended inmate capacity. Three prisoners managed to escape from here three years ago.

4. The jail houses criminals from both the district and the city. It is not uncommon to find their relatives or acquaintances, as well as individuals out on bail, freely moving around the area. (Why isn’t there effective control over these individuals ? – Editor)

5. Items were also illegally thrown into the jail by relatives of inmates. (Why action is not taken against such relatives ? – Editor)

Editorial Perspective

Having such a situation in a sensitive location like a jail is perilous. Officials responsible for this inexcusable negligence should be promptly dismissed.