Ganja Use Inside Nizamabad Jail Leads To Probe

According to sources, some undertrial prisoners were allegedly found consuming cigarettes, gutka and dry ganja over the past few days. The issue came to light after jail staff reportedly assaulted a few inmates upon detecting the use of dry ganja, triggering further scrutiny of prison management.

Director general of prisons Soumya Mishra ordered an inquiry into the incident at the Nizamabad jail. Officials said that undertrial prisoners lodged at the facility include a few habitual users of tobacco and narcotic substances. It was also alleged that some jail staff had been bringing food items from outside for inmates and were facing charges of illegal conduct.

Reports said the alleged use of dry ganja within the jail premises surfaced last week, following which prison officials attempted to prevent the entry of contraband. The accused inmates were later produced before the Bodhan court and subsequently shifted to the Kamareddy district jail. The incident created a stir and prompted the launch of an internal inquiry.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on condition of anonymity, a senior prisons official said that occasional instances of inmates possessing prohibited items had been reported earlier as well. “Strict action will be initiated against those found involved,” the official said, adding that the matter had been reported to higher authorities.

He said the internal inquiry would focus on identifying how dry ganja and other banned items entered the jail premises and fixing responsibility for the lapses.