A few prison warders (2017-batch prison warders) in Puzhal have sent a representation to Director General of Police, Prisons, flagging various issues including corruption, favouritism and other irregularities in prison administration.
In a signed letter, they alleged that the distribution of mobile phones, ganja and cigarettes and the supply of sumptuous food are rampant on the prison premises, especially in the blocks where remand prisoners are lodged. The block where remand prisoners involved in drug trafficking, murder, terrorism, were lodged, is a haven for all sorts of illegal activities, they alleged.
Naming a few officers in their letter, the section of prison warders said in the high-security prison block, gangsters and notorious rowdies are enjoying all amenities with the help of officials giving a picture of that they are not in prison. The prison warders also said there was no follow up action on the remand prisoners from whom contraband items were seized by the honest warders.
The prison warders also claimed that they were victimised by officials for demanding their due rights and they were put into mental agony by not sanctioning leave. They said, “There is no toilet exclusively for prison warders. No separate dormitory for us to sleep during rest hours whereas we have to sleep along with remand prisoners. There is no provision of drinking water for us. Though we complained about their grievances to higher-officials, there is no response from them.”
Requesting the DGP to conduct a direct enquiry, the prison warders said they would submit necessary evidence to him and sought him to initiate exemplary action against the erring officials.
