Bhubaneswar, Jul 10: A newly admitted inmate at Jharpada Central Jail in Bhubaneswar has tested positive for HIV, raising the total number of HIV-positive prisoners in the correctional facility to nine.

According to official sources, the accused was arrested by Khandagiri police on Thursday and produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody at Jharpada Central Jail. As part of the prison's mandatory admission procedure, he underwent a routine medical examination and health screening before being lodged in the jail.

During the screening, the inmate was found to be HIV positive. Jail authorities confirmed that eight prisoners had previously been diagnosed with HIV, and the latest case has increased the total number of infected inmates to nine.

Officials stated that the newly identified inmate will receive medical treatment, counselling, and regular health monitoring in accordance with the State Health Department's guidelines. They also reiterated that routine health screenings, awareness programmes, and necessary preventive measures are being carried out regularly within the jail to ensure the well-being of all inmates.