Mandya jail inmates accuse officials of fixing ‘rate card’ for comfort

Mandya: Officials from the District Prison in Mandya have been accused by inmates of indulging in rampant corruption and collecting money from undertrials in return for providing what they described as ‘royal hospitality.’

The inmates have written to Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar and the State Government, levelling serious allegations of bribery and demanding an inquiry into the alleged irregularities. The letter has gone viral on social media.

The inmates have mentioned their prisoner numbers and affixed their thumb impressions to the letter, seeking protection and a thorough investigation.

What the letter says

According to the inmates, Jail Superintendent Shanthamma, along with staff members Anil and Ravi and office duty staff Shivaraju, had fixed the price of mutton at Rs. 1,250 per kg and chicken at Rs. 700 per kg.

They have also alleged that 200 laddus distributed to inmates on Independence Day were sold for Rs. 23 each.

The inmates alleged that ‘mamool’ (monthly payment) had to be paid regularly and that those who failed to pay were threatened. The complaint mentions alleged monthly payments of Rs. 10,000 from Cell 1, Rs. 15,000 from Cell 3, Rs. 8,000 from Cell 6, Rs. 15,000 from Cell 4 and Rs. 5,000 from Cell 5.

The letter further alleges that Rs. 10,000 had to be paid to Shivaraju for getting out of the Punishment Cell. It also mentions an alleged payment of Rs. 2,500 by Siddanna of Barrack B5, Rs. 10,000 from Barrack B6 and Rs. 2,000 for changing cells.

The inmates have also alleged that toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap, which are supposed to be provided once a month, were instead being distributed once in six months.

Outside food

They further claimed that cucumbers and sambar prepared outside the jail were being brought in daily, while fresh vegetables were allegedly brought into the premises by evading CCTV surveillance.

The inmates have also alleged that Rs. 25 was being charged for a chapathi and Rs. 15 for an egg. The letter alleges that there is no CCTV camera in the Jail Superintendent’s chamber and calls for an end to the alleged harassment by jail staff.

The inmates even alleged that prescribed food items and basic facilities meant for undertrials were not being provided. They have stated that they affixed their thumb impressions to the complaint voluntarily and sought protection along with a detailed investigation into their allegations.

PRICE TAG

• Mutton: Rs. 1,250 per kg
• Chicken: Rs. 700 per kg
• Chapathi: Rs. 25
• Egg: Rs. 15
• Changing cell: Rs. 2,000
• Punishment Cell relief: Rs. 10,000