Bhubaneswar, June 25: Authorities have launched an investigation after five undertrial prisoners suddenly fell ill at Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar under mysterious circumstances. Officials are trying to determine whether the incident was caused by contaminated food or the excessive consumption of medicines or intoxicating substances.
According to sources, the inmates had gathered at the jail canteen premises on Tuesday afternoon and appeared to be in normal health. However, within a short period, all five reportedly became disoriented and unwell, prompting immediate medical attention.
Senior prison officials, including DIG (Headquarters) Biren Sahu and DIG Anusaya Jena, visited the jail on Tuesday night and reviewed the situation. CCTV footage from different prison cells and common areas was examined as part of the investigation. The two officers again visited the jail on Wednesday and conducted a detailed inquiry for nearly two hours. Zone-IV ACP Abhimanyu Nayak also inspected the prison and assessed the situation.
Preliminary findings from CCTV footage revealed that the five inmates were housed in different cells but regularly met during morning and afternoon hours. They were also known to purchase and consume dry food items from the prison canteen. Investigators are now closely examining their activities before they fell ill and are probing whether any medicines or intoxicating tablets were brought into the jail illegally.
Among the affected inmates was Maoist leader Rupu Singh, who has since recovered and returned to the prison after treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Another undertrial prisoner, Badal Behera, has also been discharged. Two inmates are currently under observation at the prison hospital, while three others continue to receive treatment at Capital Hospital. Officials said their condition has improved significantly and they are likely to be discharged soon.
Capital Hospital ICU in-charge Dr. Lambodar Panda said the symptoms displayed by the inmates suggested a possible medicine overdose. He noted that excessive consumption of cough syrup, antihistamines such as levocetirizine, or other medications could have caused the condition. In some cases, cough syrups are reportedly misused for their sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness and disorientation.
Following the incident, jail authorities have tightened security and inspection procedures. Under the directions of Jharpada Jail Superintendent Sarbeshwar Sahu, all items entering the prison, including food supplies, vegetables, groceries and medicines, are being subjected to rigorous checks. Special emphasis is being placed on verifying the quality and authenticity of medicines provided to inmates.
The investigation is underway, and officials are awaiting further findings to determine the exact cause of the incident.
