PUNE: To decongest jails across the State, Maharashtra Prison Department has proposed to release prisoners accused of minor offences, on temporary bail. The decision has been taken in the backdrop of Coronavirus outbreak.
The capacity of 60 prisons in the State is 24,000 but there are about 38,000 inmates at present.
Addressing a press conference, Additional Director General of Police Sunil Ramanand said, “The reduction of the prison population is essential as they are overpopulated at present. About 45 per cent inmates at Yerwada Central Jail, Arthur Road Jail (Mumbai), Nashik and Thane jails, are undertrials. They are taken to various courts for hearings. To prevent the spread of Coronavirus, we have to stop taking out prisoners from the jail. In the next 15 days, they will be produced before courts through video conferencing.”
According to officials, isolation cells have been set up in the prisons. The medical check-up of all prisoners is being done. Those coming from outside are being screened at the gate before being allowed inside.
The State Prison Department has cancelled meetings between family members and inmates for the next 15 days.
