Juvenile offender hospitalised after consuming phenyl at govt-run correction centre in Rourkela

A juvenile offender lodged at the government-run ‘Place of Safety’ in Rourkela was admitted to the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) in critical condition on Saturday morning after allegedly consuming phenyl.

According to reports, the youth, identified as a 17-year-old from Bolangir district, was found in a serious state early this morning after reportedly consuming floor cleaning phenyl liquid inside the premises.

Officials at the juvenile correction centre immediately shifted to RGH, where his condition remains critical. Officials said the exact cause behind the act is yet to be ascertained, though preliminary inputs suggest that the youth might have consumed the chemical following a heated altercation among inmates the previous night.

Sources said the Place of Safety operates under the Department of Women and Child Development and houses juveniles aged between 16 and 21 years who are accused or convicted of serious crimes. The facility, located in Rourkela, is intended to provide counselling, education, and rehabilitation for these inmates.

Previous Unrest And Safety Concerns

Reports indicate that tension has been simmering inside the Rourkela centre for several weeks. Inmates had earlier clashed among themselves, and in one incident, parts of the dormitory were reportedly set on fire during a protest.

A few months ago, several juveniles had complained of inhuman living conditions within the home, alleging poor access to food and water, lack of medical attention, and crumbling infrastructure.

While the authorities had promised corrective measures following those allegations, the latest incident has once again brought the spotlight back on the management and safety protocols at such institutions.

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Probe Underway

Sources added that police have begun an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the event. Officials from the Department of Women and Child Development are also expected to visit the centre to review security lapses and the condition of the inmates.

However, as of the last reports, no comments from the police or centre authorities could be obtained regarding the incident.