Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 23: Two undertrial prisoners of the district sub-jail located at Anjar near Hiriyadka in the district, are planning to complain to the judge about the corrupt practices employed by the jail employees. Muttappa from Brahmavar, and Sheikh Riaz from Mysore, who are undertrial prisoners relating to a murder case, said that they wanted to complain to the presiding officer of the fast track court here, S L Patil, about the illegal practices in the jail.

They said that the jail officer, D S Ambekar, is not only corrupt but also harasses the inmates. “If we make allegations against the jail officials, we are shifted to other jails on false charges. Cleanliness is not being maintained in the jail. The rice cooked in the morning is being supplied even at night.  The prisoners are being asked to work in the homes of jail officials,” they told the press persons.

Sheela, wife of Muttappa, who was also present, said that the officials demand bribe for everything including letting relatives in, and taking home-made food inside. “The food being provided at jail is substandard, and even when the prisoners suffer from illnesses, they are not being provided with medical aid. My husband suffered from fever for three days, but he was not taken to a doctor. After we agreed to pay bribe, he was provided treatment. Every visit to the jail costs not less than Rs 1,000. Even when we threaten o complain to the media, the officials say they do not care. We decided to complain to the judge, but he is on leave today. We will file complaint during the next hearing,” she explained.

A jail official, who was present, denied the charges. He said that the undertrials are angry that the jail officials do not allow them to do illegal things, and hence, accused them of making frivolous allegations.