Undertrial Prisoner Attacked by Gangster Haider’s Son In Jharpada Jail, Prisons DIG To Probe

Bhubaneswar: An undertrial prisoner, Soumyakant Mohanty, was allegedly attacked by Munna, the son of gangster Haidar, and his associates in the Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

According to reports, Soumyakant with severe head injuries was admitted to the Capital Hospital for treatment.

The attack on Soumyakant is suspected to be linked to a letter he wrote to the Bhubaneswar District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) earlier this week. In the letter, he alleged the sale and use of marijuana within the prison, and the extortionate fees imposed on prisoners for basic necessities. He claimed prisoners had to pay approximately Rs 50,000 for decent accommodation, Rs 5,000 for telephone access, Rs 10,000 per month for meetings with outsiders, and additional sums for amenities like coolers and better food.

Following the letter, a raid was conducted by the members of the DLSA on Saturday leading to the seizure of mobile phones and drug paraphernalia.

Following the attack in the Jharpada jail, Odisha IG (Prisons & Correctional Services) on Monday ordered a probe into the violence. As per the notification, Prisons DIG Anusuya Jena is to conduct the probe and submit a report.