Mysuru: Mysuru Central Prison is not only overcrowded but also lacks adequate staff to keep tab on the prisoners. Though the prison capacity is 562, nearly 924 prisoners are lodged there as of November 10.
The request by the authorities to the district administration for a 60 acre land to construct an additional prison has fallen on deaf ears from the past two years. They are yet to get sanction from district administration for the required land. In each cell, though the capacity is 20 to 30 prisoners, due to lack of space there are nearly 50 to 60 prisoners at present. The prison also lacks adequate staff. The numbers of warders who play an important role in keeping an eye on the prisoners are also short. The jail authorities mentioned that there is a shortage of 25 warders in the jail.
When this was brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner D Randeep who took charge as DC just three months back said, “I took charge as DC just three months back. The issue related to the request for land for construction of prison has not been brought to my notice by the jail authorities. I will speak to the concern jail authorities and try to do my best”.
Among the prisoners, underworld don Chota Rajan’s aide and sharp shooter Bachcha Khan is also behind the bars. It was in 2013, he was shifted to Mysuru from Belgaum Hindalga Jail. The jail built in the year 1862 is spread on 21 acres of land with a built area of 10 acres.
