Member of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission Chandrashekar G. Hungund expressed his displeasure over the absence of basic facilities for treatment of inmates in the Mangalore District Prison.
During his hour-long visit, Mr. Hungund found a small room with only a chair and a table for check-up of prison inmates. “How can you expect anybody to come here and treat inmates who are ill,” Mr. Hungund said and directed prison personnel to provide basic facilities at the room. He was also unhappy that prison officials did not have a stock of essential medicines.
Prison Superintendent Doddakamaiah told Mr. Hungund that a few days ago State government ordered for filling posts of the Medical Officer and Pharmacist, which have been lying vacant for several years. “You need to provide decent facilities here. In the absence of facilities it just looks like a part of the prison. Force the government to provide facilities,” Mr. Hungund said.
He asked District Health Officer O. Srirangappa, a member of the committee of district officials for prisons, to raise the issue of treatment in the meeting and take necessary action. Journalist Sharan, who has been lodged in prison in connection with the homestay attack case, complained about the visitors’ gallery. He said the double mesh at the gallery had made it difficult for inmates to see the faces of visitors. Another inmate Fiyaz said his case has not progressed much after his arrest for allegedly causing grievous hurt in 2010. Mumtaz, who was lodged in the women’s cell, said she was toiling in the prison for more than four months for alleged attempt to commit suicide. The officials said the woman had psychiatric problem.