PANJIM: Notwithstanding the rising cases of COVID-19 at Colvale Central Jail, the authorities are not in a hurry to release prisoners on furlough or parole.
Over 50 inmates – during the lockdown period were allowed temporary release by the Prisons Department, which was in adherence to the Supreme Court’s March 23 directives asking States/Union Territories to consider releasing some prisoners to decongest jail and curb the possible spread of the virus.
Inspector General of Prisons Gurudas Pilarnkar said they have undertaken all the precautions to ensure curbing spread of the virus. “No. At the moment, no prisoner will be released on parole or furlough. However, those granted bail by the court will certainly be released from the jail,” he informed Herald.
The Colvale Jail has witnessed a surge in corona cases with 42 cases reported as on Saturday. A total of 33 inmates, jail guards and a driver have been detected positive for the virus.
Pilarnkar reiterated that prison authorities have taken every possible step to stop further spread of the virus. “The jail is being sanitised on a regular basis and all other health protocols are diligently followed. Warm water is also being provided to inmates and the staff,” he added.
The inmates including convicts, who have tested positive, are isolated in a barrack as the department has decided not to shift them outside the premises.
“We have an in-house dispensary as well as a hospital within the premises. For now, we have kept the positive patients in a barrack and doctors are treating them,” he said.
Panic gripped when cases in the jail began to rise after second COVID-19 case was reported on August 13.
A quarantine centre, also set up within the premises, is housing the new prisoners. Three accused of the rave party at Vagator are currently quarantined for 14 days before being shifted to the main barrack meant for other inmates.
