THIRUVANANTHPURAM: Jail DGP Rishiraj Singh has said though Covid is spreading among jail inmates in Poojappura Central jail, there is no need for concern.

“The transmission is confined only to Poojappura jail. In Poojappura Central jail, 477 persons including prisoners and staff got infected with Coronavirus. Yesterday itself, 114 persons tested positive,” he said

Meanwhile, the government is thinking about releasing prisoners above 65 years after giving them relaxation in the punishment.
The government will initiate procedures in this regard once it gets report from the jail department.

The health department also has expressed its concern over the Covid transmission in the jail. The cabinet nod is needed for giving relaxation in the jail term, after which the governor’s approval should also be obtained.

Currently, there are 120 prisoners above 60 years in Poojappura Central jail. Here there are also persons who are undergoing punishment as well as who have completed the term of punishment.

The situation in the jail is such that there are not even sufficient beds for Covid patients among the prisoners. There are limitations for giving treatment in the jail. The officers contracting the disease is also a threat to the jail security.