Bengaluru: Pavitra Gowda, Accused No. 1 in the Renukaswamy murder case, has reportedly approached the court seeking a change of barracks at the prison, alleging that fellow inmates are harassing her and disturbing her sleep.

According to reports, Pavitra has complained that she is unable to rest at night because of disturbances in the women’s barracks, which reportedly houses around 30 undertrial prisoners. She has specifically alleged mental harassment by Nigerian nationals lodged in the same barracks.

Her counsel, Narayanaswamy, reportedly raised the issue during a court hearing on October 13, seeking the authorities’ intervention to relocate her to another barracks.

Repeated requests for transfer

Pavitra has reportedly made several requests to prison authorities and the court to change her barracks, stating that the situation has affected her ability to sleep and live peacefully in custody.

In her application, she is said to have stated that she often cannot sleep until midnight because of the conditions in the barracks. She has also alleged that her mental well-being has been affected by the conduct of fellow inmates.

The court had previously directed prison officials to take necessary action in accordance with the prison manual after Pavitra sought a transfer. However, according to her latest application, the requested change had not been carried out.

Following the fresh complaint, the court directed prison authorities to submit a report on the matter.

Seeks court inspection of women’s barracks

Pavitra has also reportedly requested the judge of the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH) to personally visit the prison and inspect the women’s barracks.

Her application alleges that she has been unable to stay peacefully in the facility despite repeatedly bringing her concerns to the attention of the authorities. She has sought judicial intervention to address the situation and examine the conditions in which she is being housed.

The court is expected to consider the information submitted by prison officials before deciding on the next course of action. Details of any subsequent decision on her transfer were not available in the information provided.

Medical report submitted to court

Pavitra has reportedly submitted a medical report in support of her application, claiming that her health has deteriorated amid the circumstances in the barracks.

The court has sought a report from the prison authorities regarding her complaints. It remains to be established whether the alleged harassment and sleep disturbances have been independently verified by prison officials.

The matter concerns the conditions of detention and the prison administration’s response to an undertrial prisoner’s complaints. Any decision on changing her accommodation will depend on the court’s consideration of the report and the applicable prison rules.

Renukaswamy murder case

Pavitra Gowda is being held as Accused No. 1 in the murder case involving Renukaswamy. The case has attracted widespread attention in Karnataka, with the accused facing proceedings in connection with the alleged crime.

The latest development relates to Pavitra’s complaints about her living conditions in custody and her request for a change of barracks. The allegations against fellow inmates remain claims made in her application and have not been independently established in the information available.