BASURI DESAI
basuri@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: In the wake of several exposes by the media of jail inmates found with banned articles, the Indian Reserve Battalion, in charge of security at the jails has started strip searching inmates as they enter the jail premises.
The strict checking has come following a circular from the Inspector General of Prisons to the IRB officials to thoroughly check every prisoner entering the jail.
Jail authorities have observed that when inmates are taken for a medical examination or a court hearing they return with banned substances like mobile phones, cigarettes etc. Every jail inmate goes for a medical checkup regularly and it becomes difficult for the guards on duty to search them thoroughly, said IRB personnel.
There have been incidents in the past when IRB constables have had a scuffle and there have also been some embarrassing situations when they have strictly followed the orders of the IG Prisons with the inmates to follow the order of IG Prisons.
As per the new circular, in case of strong suspicion the guards at the entrance are allowed to check the inmates while entering inside to the extent of forcing them to strip naked.
Sources say many inmates have objected to this and it is learnt that IRB personnel find it difficult to perform their duties. It is also learnt that the IRB constables are forcing every inmate to strip so as to avoid any further complication or allegation.
One of the constables said, “If any banned substance or item is found inside the jail we are held responsible, so it is always better to check them thoroughly.”
IG Prisons, Elvis Gomes confirmed that a circular has been issued to the jail staff which allows the guards to strip search inmates entering the jail premises.
He also said an e-court facility for communication between the court and the prisoners has been made through video conferencing and this has reduced the need for physically producing inmates in the courts.
“In some cases we do the video conferencing whenever possible,” Gomes said. He added that with the e-court, prisoners will remain in jail which will reduce the number of occasions to sneak in banned articles.
Gomes also said that as per the direction of the Directorate of Health Services, two doctors have made available in Colvale jail from the district hospital, but they haven’t reported to the jail. “This would have also slightly decreased the trips of prisoners outside the jail if they get medical aid inside. I have already written to the Health Department” Gomes said.
