Chennai: In a first, a mini marathon for prisoners was conducted in Puzhal prison on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday. Tamil Nadu prisons director C. Sylendra Babu - joined the prisoners in the event held on Puzhal campus.
More than 60 prisoners participated in the event in which a few police officers too ran, prison sources said. The move is seen as a timely one to address the woes of prisoners as the prison has witnessed increased cases of suicide in the past year. As many as four persons have committed suicide in Puzhal in as many months. The prison officials had already began counseling sessions for under trial prisoners and convicts, whom jail authorities say are prone to depression and anxiety. The marathon idea was mooted by additional director-general of police C. Sylendra Babu, sources said. The senior police officer, while serving as the head of the Coastal Security Group, used to participate in marathons across the state with his team. “Running everyday, apart from keeping oneself fit, will also boost morale and clear your head,” ADGP Sylendra Babu said. As a start, a 10 km run was held on World Suicide Prevention Day and such runs are expected to be made a weekly affair henceforth.
