More than 25 prisoners who had requested their transfer to other prisons for personal reasons were shifted to jails of their choice/hometown within hours of the incident
After initiating action against the inmates who allegedly went on a rampage in Gurdaspur jail on Friday, the prison authorities have decided to reward other inmates who came to the help of the prison staff and prevented the situation from escalating.
Tension had gripped Gurdaspur jail on Friday, when inmates clashed inside the jail premises, setting fire to the clothes and challenging the jail authorities from rooftop of one of the barracks. The incident kept the authorities on toes for several hours, even compelling Punjab government to call for a high-level committee to review the security situation in jails across the state.
Soon after the situation was brought under control, jail authorities directed police to book the accused for allegedly assaulting jail staff, rioting and destruction of government property and violation of jail rules.
But in a turnaround, the jail officials announced a slew of 'rewards' and 'incentives' for the other inmates who were not involved in the incident.
"As a sign of gratitude for protecting and saving the lives of four staff members during the rioting by about 150 inmates, four barracks have been provided with TV sets. A go-ahead has also been given for the establishment of a bakery unit for prisoners interested in doing factory work," said an official spokesperson.
More than 25 prisoners who had requested their transfer to other prisons for personal reasons were shifted to jails of their choice/hometown within hours of the incident. Nearly four dozen leave applications, pending with the DC office, were also cleared. A special team of doctors was also called to check on inmates in all the barracks, said the officials.
Taking a step further, the authorities decided to convert the barrack in which the trouble started into an activity centre, with Computer, English, Yoga and Music classes set to commence next week. A special IGNOU enrolment drive was also started in the prison. The jail authorities launched a helpline in the DC office for expediting parole requests, while also directing to make arrangements to provide prisoners with special facilities to meet their relatives for the whole of next week, said the spokesperson.
The slew of incentives comes after reports that the inmates had allegedly resorted to violence to protest against the restrictions placed by the jail authorities and lack of basic amenities. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has also called for a meeting of Home department and police officials to deliberate upon the reforms to be introduced in prisons across the state and take steps to upgrade the security.
BENEFITS GALORE
More than 25 prisoners who had requested their transfer were shifted to jails of their choice. Nearly four dozen leave applications were also cleared. A special team of doctors was also called to check on all inmates.
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