Inmate Assault Sparks Investigation at Jharpada Jail

An under-trial prisoner at Jharpada Jail, Bhubaneswar, was attacked by fellow inmates, resulting in severe head injuries. High-ranking officials, including Additional Director General (Prisons) Amitabh Thakur, have initiated an investigation. The victim, Soumyakant Mohanty, alleged that the attack was orchestrated by another inmate in retaliation for whistleblowing on jail activities.

An under-trial prisoner at Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar has suffered severe head injuries following an attack by fellow inmates, according to a senior jail official.

Additional Director General (Prisons) Amitabh Thakur and Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) Anusuya Jena, who both visited the prison, announced that a thorough investigation has been initiated.

'Stringent action will be taken against the inmates found guilty during the investigation,' stated Thakur.

The Cuttack DIG is currently recording the statements of inmates and jail officials and aims to submit a detailed report, Thakur added.

Deputy Inspector General Jena confirmed that the victim, Soumyakant Mohanty, reported that 12-15 individuals entered his cell and attacked him on Sunday.

Mohanty, who was treated at Capital Hospital and subsequently discharged, accused another inmate, Munna, and his gang of orchestrating the assault. He claimed the attack was in retaliation for a letter he recently wrote to the Bhubaneswar District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) exposing 'unethical activities' within the jail.

After his letter, DLSA members raided the jail on Saturday and seized mobile phones and drug paraphernalia.

(With inputs from agencies.)