RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, July 13: Two days after the State cabinet approved compensation in case of death in jail, an under-trial prisoner today attempted suicide at Birsa Munda Central Jail by slitting his throat with the help of barber’s shaving knife (Astura). Jail authorities admitted him to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for treatment in a critical condition.
The prisoner has been identified as Jawahar Lal Banra alias Karan, who was lodged in the jail after police arrested him a week ago in connection with a business of brown sugar.
Jail superintendent Hamid Akhtar could not be available for his comment on the matter. An insider said that the incident took place early in the morning.
“The prisoner was restless since last night. This morning he ran to the barber’s place and slit his throat using the ‘Astura’. He reached jail on July 9 and was lodged in the 12D ward in the jail. He is undergoing treatment under Dr. RK Chowdhary of RIMS ENT Department. His condition remains critical,” the insider said.
On July 11, the state cabinet had approved a proposal of the home and prison department related to compensation in case of death inside the jail. According to the approved proposal a prisoner will be paid Rs 5 lakh as compensation in case of death in fight among prisoners, Rs 4 lakh in case of death due to negligence by jail authorities and Rs 3 lakh in case of suicide.
