Undertrial attacked in Bhubaneswar Jail

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: In the wake of recent raids revealing troubling conditions in Bolangir jails, an undertrial prisoner, Soumyakant Mohanty, was attacked in Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Soumyakant has accused Munna, the son of notorious gangster Haidar, and his gang of being behind the assault.

According to reports, Soumyakant suffered severe head injuries and has been admitted to the Capital Hospital for treatment.

The violence against Soumyakant is believed to be linked to a letter he wrote to the Bhubaneswar District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) earlier this week. In his letter, Soumyakant detailed the dire conditions within the prison, including the sale and use of marijuana, and the extortionate fees imposed on prisoners for basic necessities. He claimed prisoners had to pay approximately Rs 50,000 for decent accommodation, Rs 5,000 for telephone access, Rs 10,000 per month for meetings with outsiders, and additional sums for amenities like coolers and better food.

Following the letter, members of the DLSA conducted a raid on Saturday, during which they confiscated mobile phones and drug paraphernalia. The seized items were handed over to the Laxmisagar police. The attack on Soumyakant occurred the day after the DLSA's visit, and it is alleged that Munna and his associates, who are also incarcerated in Jharpada Jail, were responsible for the assault.

Soumyakant has since filed a formal complaint with the police regarding the attack.