Gold row at Choudwar Circle Jail to be probed: Odisha Prisons DG

A controversy over the alleged refund of money in place of gold ornaments yesterday at Choudwar Jail in Cuttack district has prompted a formal probe, Odisha Director General (DG) of Prisons Susanta Kumar Nath said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The matter came to light after a woman prisoner, identified as Itishree Mohanty, who had been lodged in the correctional facility in connection with a case, alleged recently that her gold jewellery was not returned following her release on bail a few days ago.

As per standard prison procedures, inmates are required to deposit personal belongings — including ornaments — with jail authorities upon entry, and these must be returned at the time of release. The woman had lodged an FIR with the local police in this connection.

However, Itishree Mohanty reportedly did not receive her jewellery despite multiple follow-ups. Subsequently, she had lodged the written complaint at Choudwar Police Station, raising serious questions about the custodial handling of prisoner property.

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Addressing the issue, DG Susanta Nath stated that a detailed investigation would determine whether any irregularities had occurred. When asked about reports suggesting that money had been refunded instead of the gold ornaments, he declined to comment on the source of the funds, maintaining that only an inquiry could reveal the facts.

In the same briefing, the senior official also referred to a separate security concern involving the escape of a Bihari inmate on October 2 midnight last year. He noted that the jail register at the time had not been properly maintained — a lapse that led to administrative action, including the transfer of jailer concerned. An inquiry into the incident is underway.

The twin developments have drawn attention to procedural accountability within the prison system, especially regarding asset custody and record maintenance.

When questioned by mediapersons, the Prisons DG Nath remained tight-lipped and briefly stated, “An investigation will be conducted into this.” In response to further questions about which account the money was transferred from, the DG did not clarify anything. He said, “I cannot say whether this is correct; it will be ascertained after a detailed probe.”