Overcrowded jails posing security challenges

BY TILACHAN PANDEY,Tamghas, Aug. 12: Prisons across the country are facing severe operational difficulties due to overcrowding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a lack of essential facilities, with the situation being particularly dire in Gulmi and Bardiya districts.

In Gulmi district, the local jail, which has a capacity to accommodate just 25 inmates, is currently housing 108. According to jailor Reshmi Raj Pantha, the prison currently holds 101 male prisoners, including 33 detainees and 68 convicted inmates. The female population includes six inmates, with two detainees and four convicts, one of whom is a minor.

The jail's infrastructure is old and cramped, offering little room for essential activities like sports, vocational training, or rehabilitation programmes. Jailor Pantha pointed out that the lack of space has made it extremely difficult to engage inmates in productive activities. "The state has yet to pay attention to providing adequate facilities to boost inmates' morale, teach skills, and encourage physical activity," he said.

The prison has also faced issues with healthcare in the past. Although there was a senior medical officer position, it remained vacant for an extended period, making it difficult to take sick prisoners to the hospital. However, since May 2020, a staff member from the Ministry of Health has been assigned to the jail, and health checks are now conducted within the facility, easing some challenges.

President of Civil Society Gulmi Padam Pandey stressed the need for the government to take serious action to transform the jail into a rehabilitation centre.

Meanwhile, Bardiya District Jail, originally built in 1977 with the capacity to hold 150 male prisoners and 25 female prisoners, now houses a total of 424 inmates, including three minors, 51 women, and 370 men. This is nearly three times the jail’s original capacity.

The 48-year-old building is in a state of disrepair, with issues such as leaking roofs, cracked walls, and damaged infrastructure becoming increasingly common. Jail Administrator Man Bahadur Saru said that the overcrowding has been exacerbated by the transfer of prisoners from other districts. Notably, since there is no women's jail in Banke District, female prisoners from there are sent to Bardiya, doubling the female inmate population.

Recent clashes and tightened security

On August 1, a violent clash occurred between inmates and a prison guard in Bardiya Jail, leaving 10 people injured. In the aftermath, security measures were tightened. Six individuals involved in the clash have been charged, including five from Kailali, who were transferred to Bardiya for serious criminal charges.

Inspector Krishna Dangi of the Bardiya District Police Office informed that following the incident, additional police personnel had been deployed under the command of Police Sub-Inspector Pawan Chaudhary to ensure the security of the facility.