Ailing jail inmate dies, kin blame Jail Department

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 9

A 38-year-old jail inmate, who was was suffering from some ailment, died under mysterious circumstances. He was rushed to Civil Hospital last night where he died.

The deceased has been identified as Ranjit Singh. His relatives have alleged that the jail authorities were responsible for his death, as he was not given the required medical treatment.

The jail authorities, however, denied the allegation.

The police will get a postmortem examination of the body conducted tomorrow. Inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC have been initiated.

According to Ranjit’s sister Rekha, her brother was arrested by the Nawanshahr police under the NDPS Act about a year ago.

Jail Superintendent Shamsher Singh Boparai said the inmate was suffering from TB, hepatitis C and one more serious ailment. “The Jail Department made a lot of effort to save the life of the victim. He was taken to the PGI, Chandigarh, four times in the past. He was recently admitted to Rajindra Medical Hospital, Patiala, where the department spent a huge amount on his treatment.

The department had many a time told the inmate’s family to financially contribute to Ranjit’s treatment so that his life could be saved, but they did not. Still, we tried our best to provide the best treatment to the inmate. Unfortunately, he could not be saved,” said Shamsher.

He said the help of some NGOs was also sought when Ranjit was admitted to Rajindra Medical Hospital in Patiala. Some people had also helped in his medical treatment.