Are Unnatural Deaths of Prisoners in Bengal Jail Being Overlooked?
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Synopsis
A rights group has uncovered alarming reports of unnatural prisoner deaths in Burdwan jail, West Bengal. With demands for a thorough investigation by a retired judge, the situation raises serious concerns about prisoner safety and well-being. A gripping narrative unfolds as families allege foul play and torture within the correctional facility.
Key Takeaways
- Frequent unnatural deaths reported in Burdwan jail.
- Demands for judicial investigation by APDR.
- Families allege torture and foul play.
- Concerns about prisoner safety and well-being.
- Need for transparency and accountability in correctional facilities.
Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) A human rights organization has raised alarm over the frequent occurrences of prisoner fatalities in a specific jail situated in West Bengal. They have called for an inquiry into these incidents to be conducted by a retired judge from the Calcutta High Court. The facility under scrutiny is the Burdwan Central Correctional Home located in the East Burdwan district of West Bengal.
The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) released a statement noting the recent death of a young inmate in Burdwan jail on Wednesday. According to the correctional facility's officials, the individual, identified as Subhabrata Dutta, allegedly took his own life by hanging in the restroom.
The APDR also highlighted a previous incident from March 2025, where another young inmate, Bishwajit Santra, died under similar circumstances, with authorities attributing it to a romantic relationship gone awry.
Rights advocate and APDR General Secretary Ranjit Sur stated that their investigation revealed that Santra had been subjected to physical abuse by jail staff and placed in solitary confinement after being found with a mobile phone.
“The family of the deceased claimed he endured torture. The recent death of another young inmate has only heightened these suspicions. The family believes he was murdered,” Sur remarked.
Sur noted that at least two other inmates experienced unnatural deaths in Burdwan jail in 2024.
“What is taking place in Burdwan jail? This situation is alarming. The state government bears full responsibility for ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates. They cannot remain silent amid these repeated unnatural deaths,” Sur emphasized.
He insisted on the need for transparency regarding these deaths and expressed concerns about potential systemic issues within Burdwan jail. “We demand that a retired judge from the Calcutta High Court be permitted to thoroughly investigate these occurrences in Burdwan jail. That report must be made public. The state government’s ongoing silence only deepens our distrust,” he concluded.
Point of View
I believe this situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in our correctional facilities. The safety of prisoners must be prioritized, and any allegations of misconduct should be thoroughly investigated to uphold justice and human rights.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue being reported?
The report highlights frequent unnatural deaths of prisoners at Burdwan Central Correctional Home in West Bengal, prompting calls for an investigation.
Who is calling for the investigation?
The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) is demanding an investigation by a retired judge from the Calcutta High Court.
What allegations have been made regarding the prisoners?
Families of deceased inmates have alleged torture and foul play, raising serious concerns about the treatment of prisoners.
What has been the response from the authorities?
Authorities have attributed some deaths to suicide, but these claims have been met with skepticism by rights advocates.
What actions are being demanded by the rights body?
The APDR is demanding a full investigation into the incidents at Burdwan jail, emphasizing the need for transparency.
