Kolkata: Lack of able-bodied and young jail wardens in different reformatory homes in West Bengal is reportedly giving sleepless nights to the jail superintendents. These prisons house some of the most dangerous criminals and even dreaded terrorists. Many of the existing wardens are old and do not have enough physical strength to rein in these dreaded inmates.
In dictionary terms, reformatory homes are meant for reforming different individuals convicted of criminal activities. However, in reality, life in prison is completely different. A section of the jail inmates are really dangerous and ferocious in a true sense. In popular movies, we can often see spies within the inmates who inform the jail superintendents of the activities or plans of the prisoners in advance.
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However, the real picture is different. The concept of spies of jail superintendents virtually does not exist. What is even more alarming is the limited number of jail wardens compared to the increasing number of inmates, many of whom are dreaded terrorists or professional killers. At the same time, many of the existing jail wardens are on the verge of retirement and hence their physical ability and mental agility is nowhere near the requirement. In such a situation, efficient prison management has become difficult for the jail superintendents.
Many of the prisons in West Bengal are languishing following this lack of manpower. Take for example Presidency Reformatory Home, one of the most high-profile prisons in the state. During the pandemic, several prisoners have been released on bail to decongest the prisons. However, the number of inmates continues to be quite high. A jail official, on strict condition of anonymity, said that currently, the Presidency Reformatory Home houses 2,200 prisoners. However, the number of jail wardens is just 250.
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“Ideally, the number of inmates for warden should be five at maximum. But in the case of the Bengal prisons, the number is almost double. Again many of the existing wardens are aged and are not at the height of physical fitness. At the same time certain mental blocks come with age,” said a jail superintendent on strict condition of anonymity.
Because of the lack of jail wardens, there is laxity in keeping a watch over the inmates and taking advantage of that some rackets of inmates have developed in different prisons of the state. It is learnt that many wardens as a result are unwilling to take up the duties of regular supervision of prisoner activities, their health check-ups and even serving food to the inmates because of threats of sudden attacks.
Of late some incidents of attacks on wardens by jail inmates with iron rods or forks have been reported. Recently, while a warden went to the cell of Musa, a suspected terrorist, the latter attacked the warden with an iron rod. The victims sustained severe head injuries. On this point, ETV Bharat made several attempts to get in touch with the Additional Director General (Prisons), Piyush Pande, to get his reaction. However, his cell phone kept on ringing but no response.
Now the question arises, how weapons like iron rods or forks are reaching the inmates. Recovery of cell phones from inmates has become a regular feature in the prisons of state. Prison officials admit that while lack of surveillance on the inmates because of limited manpower is an important reason behind this, the possibilities of a clandestine understanding with the inmates and a section of the jail employees cannot be ruled out.
An officer in the rank of Inspector General of Police on strict condition of anonymity said that recently around 500 new jail staff has been recruited. “However, they are all under training now. Till then we have to continue with our existing staff strength and lead every day with apprehension,” he said.
