AMRITSAR: Punjab Government last week suspended Gurdev Singh, Superintendent of Central Jail, here, and transferred two Medical Officers Ramesh Kumar and Jaswant Singh, posted in the jail, for their alleged negligence in the case of beating up of a jail inmate. The State government took action against these officials on the recommendations of Justice Har Phul Singh Brar, Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge. Brar had conducted a surprise raid on the complaints of certain jail inmates, including a life convict Makhan Singh, alleging inhuman behavior of jail authorities with the connivance of medical staff.
Brar had asked the jail authorities to produce Makhan Singh. The latter was not able to walk properly and he complained to Brar that he was beaten up by the jail staff for raising voice against inadequate facilities provided to them, Makhan Singh also complained that doctors in the jail had refused to provide medical aid to him. Complaints were also made regarding the food given to the prisoners. Brar took some samples of half cooked “chappatis” prepared for jail inmates. He summoned District Health Officer Ajaib Singh Sandhu and asked him to submit a written report on quality of food. DHO in his report described the food unhygienic and unfit for consumption. A medical examination of Makhan Singh also confirmed his beating in the jail. Amarjit Singh, Superintendent of high security prison in Sangrur, replaces Gurdey Singh, while Ramesh Kumar and Jaswant Singh have been transferred.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 21, 1996
