Team Herald
VASCO: A convict lodged at Sada sub-jail in Mormugao was hospitalised at GMC, Bambolim, for suspected poisoning inside the jail premises on Monday evening.
According to information, Milton George was serving a one-year sentence after he was found guilty under the Motor Vehicle Act, and he was lodged in cell number 3 of Sada sub-jail.
At around 6 pm on Monday, he started complaining of a headache to the jail authorities, after which he was taken to Cottage Hospital, Chicalim, and then to GMC.
On reaching the hospital, he alleged that some inmates had demanded Rs 2 lakh from him, and when he refused, they forcefully made him drink phenol inside the jail.
Sources in the jail informed Herald that George was recently out on parole to attend his sister’s wedding at his native village in South Goa. After completing his parole period, he was back in the jail some four days ago. He was also to be released on June 15, after completing his sentence.
“The cause of the poisoning, as alleged by George, is yet to be ascertained. However, it has been informed that George had requested an inmate to arrange for Rs 2 lakh for his sister’s marriage, which he would collect one he got out on parole, and he would return the same shortly. But what conspired between them and why suddenly he has been alleging extortion bid by inmates is not known,” informed a jail official on condition of anonymity.
Another jail official who wished to remain anonymous informed that, “After he returned to the jail, he started complaining of harassment by inmates, and thus, he was shifted to another cell on Monday morning.” When contacted, Inspector General of Prison Elvis Gomes stated, “It is true that an inmate has been admitted to GMC, where he has been making allegations of forceful poisoning inside the jail, but the same needs to be verified. I have asked my jail staff to see to it that he is admitted and to ensure that the doctors go into the details of his complaint by carrying out a full body check-up. Also, it is very premature to say anything, but if something has happened, then action will be initiated accordingly.”
Meanwhile, acting on a wireless message received from GMC, a Mormugao Police team rushed to GMC to record the victim’s statement. “Our officers have gone to record the statement. As the victim has been alleging poisoning inside the jail, we will investigate the case thoroughly and take appropriate action,” said PI Shailesh Narvekar.
, who holds additional charge of Mormugao police station.
