Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar held a review meeting with jail authorities at Dharwad Central Prison on February 18.

Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar said that surprise inspections in barracks across all the prisons in the State are being held frequently in a bid to curb the supply and consumption of narcotic substances.

Speaking to press persons after hold review meeting with jail authorities at Dharwad Central Prison on February 18, he said that stringent measures are being taken to curb the supply and consumption of narcotic substances, including ganja, inside prisons across the State and inmates are being subjected to regular medical check-ups to detect any access to or use of narcotics.

However, he said that while drug abuse inside prisons had reduced owing to continuous monitoring, it cannot not be said that it has been completely stopped.

Mr. Kumar stated that upon release, the inmates will also be examined and if traces of drugs are detected, an FIR will be registered against them.

Noting that several inmates had requested for the appointment of a full-time doctor, he said that steps are being taken to fill up the vacant post. At present, doctors from the district hospital are paying weekly visits to the prison, he said.

He said many inmates experience depression during incarceration, and so, to improve their mental health, steps are being taken. They are also being given skill development training and vocational training.

On the problems being faced by the residents residing in the vicinity of prison owing to poor mobile network and internet connectivity reportedly due to the high-frequency jammers installed on the jail premises, Mr. Kumar said that consultations are on with technical experts to address the issue without compromising prison security.

He also visited the Sub-Jail in Hubballi.