Attack on UTP in Jharpada jail: Victim Soumyakant Mohanty raises questions over investigation process

Under Trail Prisoner (UTP) Soumyakant Mohanty, who was injured after dreaded criminal Hyder’s son and his associates mercilessly assaulted him for reportedly lodging a complaint against various illegal activities inside the Jharpada Jail before the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), has raised questions over the investigation into the incident on Thursday.

Releasing an audio from the jail, Soumyakant alleged that the assaulters are again threatening him. He further alleged that the investigation was not carried out by the Jail DIG in a proper and neutral manner. He demanded either a judicial or police-level investigation into the incident.

“In the presence of the jailor and under his provocation, gangster Hyder’s son Muna and his associates tried to kill me by launching an assault. I have not yet been informed anything about the inquiry into the incident and the steps taken in this regard,” said Soumyakant.

“I am being kept in the lock-up for 24 hours. However, the persons who attacked me are freely roaming here. They are abusing me by indicating me. I don’t understand why a victim is being kept inside the lock-up for 24 hours and the accused are roaming freely. No action has been taken in this regard despite informing the authorities. I am not at all satisfied with the investigation process. The senior officials of the department are trying to suppress the incident. There should be an independent inquiry into the incident,” he further said.

“The incident happened here due to the selling of ganja. I was attacked as I said to stop all these things. The DIG is the classmate of the Superintendent. After denying my three statements, he received my fourth statement. He is only accepting my statement of the day on which I was attacked. He is not accepting my past statements as it may create problems for his classmates. I want to appeal to the Human Rights panel. I want Odisha police to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident. I have also complete faith in the judiciary,” he added.

However, no reactions were received from the jail authorities in this regard.

Meanwhile, Additional Director General (Prisons) Amitabh Thakur said that an investigation is being carried out into all the allegations by Soumyakant.

As per reports Jail DIG Anusuya Jena has submitted the investigation report before the Prisons ADG Amitabh Thakur.

In his letter to the DLSA, Soumyakant mentioned about various illegal activities including the use of mobile phones by jail inmates. He had also alleged that ganja bidi was being sold at Rs 200 per piece and Rs 50,000 (one time) was charged to provide better accommodation. For accessing mobile phones Rs 5000 and extra tariff was being charged.

Earlier, Soumyakant’s wife Biswakalpana Pati had alleged that his husband was attacked in the presence of the jailor and his life is at risk.