NHRC notice to Rajasthan Government over undertrial languishing in jail for 34 years

The National Human Rights Commission has sent notice to the Inspector General, Prisons and the Home Secretary, Government of Rajasthan over an undertrial languishing in District Jail, Sriganganagar for 34 years.

New Delhi, Apr.8 : The National Human Rights Commission has sent notice to the Inspector General, Prisons and the Home Secretary, Government of Rajasthan over an undertrial languishing in District Jail, Sriganganagar for 34 years.

Taking suo-motu cognizance of a press report, captioned 'Man is in jail for 34 years in Rajasthan' published in "The Asian Age" on March 31, 2008, the Commission has said that the news report raises serious issue of violation of human rights of the undertrial prisoner.

According to the press report, a man, named, Prabhunath, resident of Pattakhori village of District Basti, UP has been languishing in District Jail, Sriganganagar for 34 years. He was arrested on May 14, 1974, along the border for suspicious activities under Bhuttewala border post area in Sriganganagar District.

At that time, he was barely 20 years old. He was booked under Indian Passport Act and the local court sent him for remand till May 18, 1974. hen, he was sent to judicial custody by a local court in Srikaranpur. In the District Jail, Sriganganagar, he became mentally ill and continues to be under treatment.

The Commission has asked a reply within a month.

ANI