No more shouting through bars: Walkie-talkies to be introduced at Daltonganj Central Jail

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Daltonganj, May 25: Walkie-talkie devices are set to be introduced at the Central Jail in Daltonganj (Medininagar) to improve communication between inmates and their families. This development follows a routine inspection by Palamu’s Principal District and Sessions Judge (PDJ), Diwakar Pandey, on Saturday.

Clearer, One-to-One Communication During Molakati Sessions

Jail Superintendent Bhagirath Karjee confirmed that the walkie-talkies will be used specifically during “Molakati” sessions—designated times when inmates meet their relatives.

“This communication device will allow for one-to-one interaction without the usual noise and confusion,” said Karjee. Currently, visitors and inmates attempt to speak through meshed windows, resulting in much of the conversation being drowned out in background noise.

Inspection Highlights Conditions and Calls for Upgrades

Judge Pandey’s inspection covered various aspects of jail life, including the wards, cells, mess, and the jail hospital.

He also interacted with women inmates, of whom there were 58 at the time of the visit. Eight children, permitted under the Model Prison Manual 2016 to stay with their mothers until the age of six, were also present.

Washing Machines to Address Daily Disputes

A practical issue raised during the inspection was linen washing, a task that often leads to disputes among inmates. To address this, the jail administration plans to install at least three washing machines.

“This will help reduce conflicts and improve hygiene conditions,” Karjee noted.

Encouraging Legal Awareness Among Inmates

During the visit, Judge Pandey spoke directly with both convicts and undertrials, urging them to exercise their right to appeal court decisions. He stressed the importance of exploring legal avenues rather than relying solely on personal legal counsel—often at great financial cost to families.

There remains a strong perception among inmates that free legal aid, offered via the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), is less effective. Nevertheless, the PDJ encouraged inmates to reconsider this viewpoint.

Senior Legal Figures Present

The inspection was attended by key legal personnel, including Amitabh Chand Singh, Chief of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel; Deputy Chief Santosh Kumar Pandey; and DLSA Secretary-in-Charge Sourav Kumar Gautam.