Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has strongly criticized the Jharkhand government, accusing it of turning state prisons into luxury zones for influential inmates. He claimed that a recently viral video showing lavish activities inside Ranchi’s Hotwar Central Jail proves how the state allows “VIP prisoners” to enjoy illegal privileges behind bars.
Allegations of Corruption and Favoritism in Prisons
Marandi alleged that wealthy inmates pay for special treatment, occupying exclusive wards with an “entry fee” and fixed monthly payments. “From illegal parties to unrestricted facilities, everything is available for money,” he said, blaming collusion between jail officials and prisoners. Despite repeated warnings, he added, illegal activities have not stopped. Instead, honest officers like Robert Nishant Besra, who tried to curb such practices, were transferred.
Question Raised Over Jail IG and Suspicious Reinstatement
The opposition leader questioned the reinstatement of Jail Superintendent Dinesh Verma, who was suspended from Hazaribagh jail just 20 days ago for serious irregularities. “He has now been rewarded with the post of in-charge superintendent at Birsa Munda Jail. What kind of justice is this?” Marandi asked, suggesting that high-level officials, including the Jail IG, were complicit. “Such organized wrongdoing cannot happen without the consent and participation of senior authorities,” he said.
Calls for Judicial Inquiry by Jharkhand High Court
Marandi urged the Jharkhand High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the issue, demanding an inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge to expose the “dirty games” being played inside state prisons. He further questioned the role of the CID and the former DGP, alleging that they helped a high-profile inmate secure bail by delaying the chargesheet. “It seems the entire nexus is running this racket together,” he added.
