HC told 354 inmate deaths in 5 yrs; state cites recent decline

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh high court was on Wednesday informed through a govt affidavit that a total of 354 inmate deaths were recorded in state prisons between 2021 and March 31, 2026, with year-wise data indicating fluctuations but an overall recent decline, which the state attributes to improved medical care and prison management systems.The affidavit asserted that earlier media reports suggesting irregularities in prison deaths were "misleading" and based on incomplete facts. It clarified that the majority of inmate deaths occurred in hospitals during the course of treatment, indicating that prisoners were provided medical care and institutional support.The state further highlighted a notable decline in deaths in 2025, recording an approximate 18% reduction compared to 2024, which it attributed to improved medical supervision and healthcare systems within prisons.Detailing the healthcare framework, the affidavit stated that medical facilities are available across all prisons, with regular health check-ups, referrals to higher medical centres, and adequate supply of medicines and equipment.The govt also outlined initiatives aimed at mental well-being, including yoga, meditation, counselling, and suicide prevention programmes. Psychiatric care is provided through district hospitals, medical colleges, and the state mental health hospital in Bilaspur.The affidavit emphasized that all custodial deaths are subject to mandatory postmortem examinations and judicial inquiries, in line with guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission, and denied any negligence or delay on the part of the jail authorities.Taking note of the submissions, the division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal observed that the affidavits reflect substantial compliance with earlier directions and demonstrate continuous and proactive efforts by the state to improve inmate welfare, including a reduction in deaths.Similarly, the Director General of Jail and Correctional Services, Nava Raipur, has submitted a personal affidavit to the Chhattisgarh high court regarding the progress of departmental enquiries against warders and officers of Central Jail, Durg.