Jaleswar: Jail inmates, being guarded by police personnel and shackles on their hands walking for about 1km is a regular sight in Jaleswar sub-jail, located at Panchughanta here in Balasore district.
As bizarre as it might sound, this daily sight of criminals walking on the road with policemen around them has spread resentment among the locals. Residents feared the criminals might take any radical step to escape.
There are more chances of criminals attacking passers-by to shield themselves and escape from police. However, the cops are yet to take any steps in this regard.
As per reports, the approach road to the Jaleswar sub jail at Panchughanta is too narrow to give space to court vans. Police and court vans cannot reach the sub-jail due to the narrow space.
As a result inmates are made to walk about 1km up to the main road from where court vans take them to different courts for their presence. Lawyers, senior journalists and senior citizens have raised concern over the undertrials being made to walk up to court vans.
The sub jail on the border of neighbouring West Bengal assumes significance for its positioning. The sub jail houses convicted and under trial hardcore criminals. And as they are being made to go on foot for 1 km instead of picking them up from the sub jail gate itself, possibility of their escape or attempt on them cannot be ruled out.
When asked, the police officials who escort the under trials clarified that the approach road to the sub jail is narrow. And low lying electric wire poses another threat.
“Despite our unwillingness, we have to leave the van on the main road, go to the jail and then come walking back with the inmates till the van and later they are taken to court for hearings,” a jail authority said.
“We have appraised the senior authorities and steps would be taken soon,” he added.
Local senior citizens urged the administration to take steps so that inmates can be picked up from the sub jail gate itself.
PNN