Hell behind bars: Murder accused Anila subjected to cramped prison cell and frequent strip searches 

CALIFORNIA: The murder of two Malayali women in the United States was a shocking news for the Malayalees. Ann Mary Mathew (35) of Thiruvananthapuram, and Anjana Vijesh (35) of Thrissur, were murdered by their friend Anila Baby, a native of Kottayam. Anila was taken into police custody in Milpitas, California, on the day of the incident itself. Where is Anila presently being housed? Have you ever thought what life is like in a California prison, which is completely different from jails in Kerala? A Malayalam media has reported details about her present circumstances.

Anila is presently being lodged in the Administrative Segregation Wing, a high-security section of the Santa Clara County Main Jail. Unlike the situation in Kerala, Anila has to endure a highly rigorous and harsh prison life. She is confined to a cell which is just 48 square feet. The cell contains only a bed built against the wall and a steel toilet beside it. She has to remain alone inside the cell for 23 hours a day. She is not allowed to speak to anyone or see other inmates.

She has to wake up at 5 am every day. Food and medications are provided through a small opening in the cell door. She must bathe within a one-hour timeframe under official supervision. A dim light remains on inside the cell 24 hours a day. Since she is considered at risk of suicide, officers reportedly check on her every 15 minutes. She is restrained with chains when meeting her lawyer and when being taken to the court. A full strip-search is conducted, requiring complete removal of clothing both upon departure and return.

Although the jail and the court are only about 50 metres apart, inmates are taken there through an underground tunnel. The proceedings take place in underground courtrooms where there are reportedly no mobile signals. Anila has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and offenses related to the use of a deadly weapon.

Under the American legal system, the trial could take years to complete. If found guilty, she will be shifted from the county jail to California's stringent state prison. Anila is facing a sentence of at least 51 years to life imprisonment.