Mangaluru: An undertrial prisoner at the Mangaluru district prison allegedly created a major commotion after demanding beedis and threatening prison officials, including the superintendent.
The accused has been identified as Mohammed Faizal. According to the complaint registered at Barke police station, the incident occurred on the morning of September 14, when Faizal allegedly went to the prison kitchen and obstructed the preparation of food.
Prison kitchen allegedly obstructed
Faizal allegedly threatened the inmates who were working in the kitchen and instructed them to stop preparing meals. He reportedly insisted that the prison superintendent provide him with beedis before allowing cooking activities to resume.
The situation subsequently escalated when Faizal allegedly gathered other inmates and proceeded towards the superintendent’s office. He reportedly threatened that no food would be prepared unless his demand for beedis was fulfilled.
According to the police complaint, Faizal also allegedly threatened to create further trouble if the prison authorities continued preparing meals. He reportedly warned that he would put a lizard or cockroach into the food and create a major controversy, while also threatening to ensure the transfer of the prison official.
The allegations have led to a case being registered against him at Barke police station.
Alleged threat involving gas cylinder
The incident reportedly took a more serious turn after prison officials locked the kitchen gate to prevent further interference.
Faizal allegedly picked up a gas cylinder kept nearby and began banging it against the kitchen gate and its lock. While doing so, he reportedly shouted at the prison authorities and demanded that the gate be opened.
According to the complaint, he also threatened to detonate the gas cylinder, adding to the seriousness of the situation inside the prison premises.
Prison officials reportedly faced difficulties in carrying out their duties as the accused allegedly continued to create a disturbance and encouraged other inmates to join him.
Other inmates allegedly provoked
The complaint states that Faizal allegedly gathered fellow prisoners and provoked them not to return to their respective cells until their demand for beedis was met.
The alleged gathering and refusal to return to the cells disrupted the normal functioning of the prison. The complaint further states that the accused’s actions obstructed prison officials from discharging their duties.
The police have registered the case based on the allegations made by the prison authorities. Further investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the specific actions attributed to the accused.
As Faizal is an undertrial prisoner, the allegations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Case registered at Barke police station
The incident highlights the challenges faced by prison authorities in maintaining discipline when inmates allegedly refuse to comply with instructions and attempt to mobilise other prisoners.
In this case, what reportedly began with a demand for beedis escalated into an alleged disruption of kitchen operations, threats against the superintendent, obstruction of prison staff and a reported threat involving a gas cylinder.
The Barke police have registered the case and are investigating the allegations.