Prisoners lodged in Kalyan jail, tired of alleged harassment and corruption by the jail staff, have decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike.
Prisoners lodged in Kalyan jail, tired of alleged harassment and corruption by the jail staff, have decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike to mark their protest against the unpalatable and unhygienic food. A group of 200 prisoners, who have also submitted letters to the Maharashtra home minister and the top brass of the jail administration, began their hunger strike on July 23.
The four-page complaint letter (a copy of which is with DNA) written in Marathi enlists the string of harassment faced by the inmates due to the high-handedness of the jail staff. “Most of the prisoners are either illiterate or tribals and hence cannot raise their voices,” wrote Nitin Telawane, an MCOCA accused, who has spearheaded the campaign.
In the letter it has been alleged that the unhygienic jail food is “tasteless and watery”. The jail hospital comprises just one doctor, who is irregular. “In case of illness the prisoners are admitted to Ulhasnagar Civil Hospital and this is possible only after bribing the jail staff,” the letter alleged.
The letter alleges that five prisoners, namely Akash Ijgaj, Sunil Sharma, Gajanan Waghe, Navin Kichu and Srikrishna Gokhale, died this year due to the sub-standard quality of food and not getting medical help at the right time. Also, if an accused is taken to the court to attend his court proceedings, it is possible only after greasing the palms of the jail officials.
The letter further alleges that the jail canteen sells goods at exhorbitant rates which is much higher than the maximum retail price. Prisoners who are “wealthy and influential” are given preferential treatment, the letter alleged. “During the rounds, if we ever try to voice our grievances, we are thrashed by the jail staff and threatened,” the letter stated.
The jailor of Kalyan jail was unavailbale for comment.
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