Sub-jails fill up fast, cops forced to go outskirts to remand accused

Chennai

In 2018, the sub-jail was turned into an exclusive prison for first-time offenders aged between 18 to 24. However, due to COVID-19 situation, the sub-jails including the ones in Saidapet and Poonamallee were turned into quarantine facilities to lodge the accused for 10 days before they are either released on bail or moved to the Central Prison in Puzhal. This was to safeguard inmates at the central jail.

But after lockdown norms were relaxed and the subsequent spike in crime rate, the sub-jails are getting filling up fast.

The Saidapet sub-jail, in particular, is said to reach its capacity of 150 to 175 inmates within three days after which the premises are closed for new entrants for the next 10 days. Due to this, officials have to travel as far as Tiruttani to remand the accused. “When we recently took two accused to the sub-jail, we were given the option of taking them either to Kancheepuram or Tiruttani, as Poonamallee sub-jail is also full. We chose Kancheepuram as it is relatively closer,” said a sub-inspector on condition of anonymity.

When contacted, officials at the Saidapet sub-jail admitted that the prison was closed for over a week for new entrants but said It was open now.

“The prison is already about 60 per cent full. When the count reaches 150, we will keep the accused for 10 days before moving them to the Central Prison,” said Jailor Selva Gurunathan. He denied rumours that the prison was closed for new inmates after an under trial, Mahalingam, collapsed and died on the way to the hospital on December 9.