Concerns rise as three inmates of Jhumka prison die in three weeks

ITAHARI: The lack of proper healthcare services at Jhumka Prison in Sunsari has put lives of inmates at serious risk. Concerns over prison management and security agencies have grown after three prisoners died since August 20.

Ramdev Urau (48) of Gadhi Rural Municipality–6, Sunsari, who was serving a sentence for homicide, died while undergoing treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences on Monday morning. Just a day later, on Tuesday, Sagar Rai (24) of Dharan, who was in pre-trial detention on drug-related charges, also passed away at the same hospital.

Earlier, on August 20, Bikash Rai (28) of Bhojpur, another inmate at Jhumka Prison, suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. He later died during treatment, according to police.

The back-to-back deaths have raised serious questions about the lack of regular health checkups and emergency medical facilities for prisoners.

The District Security Committee has directed immediate monitoring and the launch of a health camp inside the prison. According to Sunsari’s  Chief District Officer Dharmendra Mishra, all inmates in Blocks A and B will undergo medical checkups. He added that there are plans to transfer those with serious conditions to appropriate facilities without delay.

Jhumka Prison currently houses 1,794 inmates. Families of the prisoners have long complained that healthcare infrastructure and medical staff at the prison are inadequate compared to the inmate population.