Sundargarh: As many as 546 inmates of the Sundargarh District Jail went on a hunger strike late Tuesday night, refusing food and water to protest against alleged administrative lapses and poor facilities inside the prison.
According to reports, the inmates, including both undertrial prisoners and convicts, raised several grievances against the newly appointed jail superintendent. They alleged that they were not being provided adequate meals and were facing restrictions on meeting their family members during visiting hours. The prisoners have demanded the immediate transfer of the jail superintendent.
The protest prompted the district administration to step in, with heightened security arrangements made at the jail premises. Personnel from the Sundargarh Additional Superintendent of Police’s office, Sundargarh Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sundargarh Town Police, and other police forces were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Sub-Collector (Sadar), Sundargarh, Tejaswini Behera, visited the jail and held discussions with the protesting inmates.
Speaking to the media, she said that the administration had listened to the prisoners’ demands and would place them before higher authorities.
“The inmates have raised issues mainly related to visiting hours and interaction with family members. As per existing guidelines, we will try to address their concerns. Judicial officials will also visit the jail to hear the grievances and ensure appropriate action,” she said.
Following the discussions, the situation inside the jail remained calm, though officials continued to monitor the health of the inmates participating in the hunger strike.
