Jaipur: Hunger strike by Bharatpur jail inmates intensifies; 9 hospitalised

The protesting inmates, alleging a lack of basic amenities in the Bayana sub-jail, have been demanding their transfer to Sewar Central Jail, citing better facilities there. Jailer Kedar Sharma said that out of 30 inmates recently shifted to Bayana sub-jail, 15 had resumed eating, while 14 remained on hunger strike.

A hunger strike by inmates at a sub-jail in Bayana town of Rajasthan's Bharatpur district has intensified, with nine of them admitted to hospital after their condition turned serious over the last few days. The protesting inmates, alleging a lack of basic amenities in the Bayana sub-jail, have been demanding their transfer to Sewar Central Jail, citing better facilities there. Jail authorities on Tuesday said that nine out of 14 inmates had been referred to the RBM Hospital in Bharatpur for treatment, while five others were being treated inside the jail premises under medical supervision. Jailer Kedar Sharma said that out of 30 inmates recently shifted to Bayana sub-jail, 15 had resumed eating, while 14 remained on hunger strike. ''One inmate has been released,'' he added. According to officials, the inmates were shifted to Bayana from Gangapur City jail on April 22 due to overcrowding, following which, dissatisfaction over arrangements soon escalated into a hunger strike. Two medical teams were deployed, and necessary treatment, including IV fluids, was being provided to the inmates on strike, police said. Administrative and police officials visited the jail and held talks with the protesters, urging them to end the strike, they said. ''Efforts are being made at the administrative level to resolve the issue. The demand for transfer is under consideration at higher levels,'' Sharma said.