Lokayukta Verma inspects Karnal dist jail, interacts with prisoners

Haryana Lokayukta Justice Harpal Verma on Friday inspected the Karnal district jail and interacted with inmates. Verma also planted a sapling on the premises.

He inspected several facilities inside the jail, including the video conferencing room, beauty parlour, fashion studio, library, classroom, cosmetology laboratory and dress-making unit. He held separate interactions with male and female inmates, none of whom reported any grievances related to the jail staff or allegations of corruption.

Jail Superintendent Lakhbir Singh Brar briefed the Lokayukta on the steps being taken for the welfare of inmates. In the jail’s classroom, inmates welcomed Justice Verma with a song. He also viewed items prepared by prisoners and reviewed healthcare services at the jail hospital.

Speaking to reporters later, Justice Verma said the primary purpose of the visit was to ascertain whether inmates faced any corruption, undue pressure or misconduct at the hands of jail officials. “No inmate has made any complaint against the jail administration,” he said.

He said he had also been informed about certain inmates working at the petrol pump operated by the jail administration, while several vocational and skill-development courses were being run for their benefit. Expressing satisfaction with the functioning of the jail, he recorded his remarks in the visitor’s book.