The allocation of ₹ 85 crore in the budget on Friday has given push to the ongoing work of constructing the much-needed high security prison in Mudipu near Mangaluru.
The proposal for high security prison at an estimated cost of ₹ 205 crore has been pending for over several years.
The proposal was made following frequent clashes between undertrails in the District Prison, which is overcrowded with more than 400 inmates. Madoor Isubbu, an alleged associate of underworld operative Chota Shakeel, was murdered in November 2015.
The District Prison, which is located in the heart of the city, is the only prison in the State where Hindu and Muslim undertrials are housed in separate enclosures. Despite security checks, police and prison staff have been finding it difficult to prevent supply of sharp objects, mobile phones and cannabis to undertrials.
The need of a high security prison was also felt because of the arrest of more accused from communal forces who are active in the coastal region. The new high security prison, which would be 10th Central Prison, will come up on 67.89 acres of land in Mudipu. It would be an all-inclusive structure that would hold about 10,000 inmates, undertrials and convicts. There would be provision for automatic doors with spikes at the entrance. There would be a staff quarters block to house 270 jail staff, a library, hospital and workshops. A helipad has also been proposed.
The government released ₹ 2 crore in 2016 and followed it with an allocation of ₹ 7.5 crore last year. An official said that with the allocation of Rs. 85 crore in this budget the stage is set for floating tender for construction of the new prison. “We hope to start the process in April,” the official said.₹
