Serious allegations surfaced against officials of the Redhakhol Sub-Jail in Odisha, with a human rights activist accusing them of providing illegal facilities to two notorious criminals from Bihar and enabling them to continue operations from inside prison.
According to a complaint filed through the Odisha Police Citizen Portal, former jailer Upendra Jena and chief warder Dillip Kumar Das allegedly extended special treatment to inmates Yash Anand and John Rights. Activist Dr Sunil Kumar Rath claimed the officials ignored prison security norms and offered privileges in exchange for cash and gold.
The complaint alleged liquor was smuggled inside tender coconuts and inmates used personal mobile phones of jail staff to run extortion rackets. Rath also claimed to possess audio clips capturing conversations about deals made by the chief warder to facilitate illegal benefits.
Inspector-in-Charge Sanaya Kumar Nayak confirmed receipt of the complaint but said the matter falls under the prison department’s jurisdiction. He added police can act only after departmental inquiry and noted that audio clips circulating on social media were linked to a fugitive in an attempt-to-murder case.
Sub-Jail Inspector Laxmidhar Murmu described the allegations as personal matters concerning employees, though he admitted Chief Warder Das had been cautioned. He assured departmental action would follow if directed by higher authorities.
