NewKerala.com

Key Points

The APDR has raised alarms over repeated unnatural deaths in Burdwan Central Correctional Home, including recent cases of Subhabrata Dutta and Bishwajit Santra. Families and activists allege torture and foul play, contradicting official suicide claims. The rights group cites at least four suspicious fatalities since 2024, pointing to systemic failures. They demand a retired HC judge-led probe, accusing the state government of silence amid growing concerns.

Key Points: APDR Demands Probe Into Unnatural Deaths at Burdwan Jail

  • APDR reports suspicious deaths of Subhabrata Dutta and Bishwajit Santra in Burdwan jail
  • Families allege torture and murder by jail authorities
  • Activists cite multiple unnatural deaths since 2024
  • Demand judicial probe into prison administration failures
2 min read

Rights body highlights unnatural deaths of prisoners in Bengal prison

Rights body APDR flags suspicious prisoner deaths in West Bengal's Burdwan jail, demands HC judge-led investigation amid allegations of torture.

"What is happening in Burdwan jail? This is very concerning. – Ranjit Sur, APDR"

Kolkata, July 31

A rights body, on Thursday, highlighted regular instances of deaths of prisoners in one particular jail in West Bengal and demanded an investigation into the incidents by a retired judge of Calcutta High Court. The jail in question is Burdwan Central Correctional Home in East Burdwan district of West Bengal.

According to a statement issued by Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR), a young prisoner died in Burdwan jail on Wednesday. The correction home authorities said that the prisoner named Subhabrata Dutta died by suicide by hanging himself in the toilet.

A few months ago, pointed out APDR, in March 2025, another young prisoner died in this same correctional home whose name was Bishwajit Santra. The administration, however, then said that it was a case of suicide due to love affair.

Rights activist and APDR general secretary Ranjit Sur said that after their our investigation, they found out that the jail authorities had beaten up Santra and kept him in a cell under solitary confinement continuously after finding a mobile phone in his possession.

“The boy's family had alleged that he was being tortured. On Wednesday, the death of a young prisoner in Burdwan Jail again intensified that suspicion. The prisoner's family has said that he was murdered," Sur added.

According to him, at least two prisoners died unnaturally in Burdwan jail also in 2024.

"What is happening in Burdwan jail? This is very concerning. The state government is fully responsible for the safety and well-being of prisoners inside the jail. In this situation, the government cannot remain silent about such unnatural deaths of prisoners in a row inside a jail," said Sur.

Asserting that the truth behind such unnatural deaths must come out, Sur further said that they feared that there was a big problem in the administration of Burdwan jail. “We demand that a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court be allowed to conduct a full investigation into the incidents in Burdwan jail. That report should be made public. The state government's continued silence is deepening our suspicions," he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from West Bengal, I'm deeply ashamed. Our jails should reform criminals, not become their deathbeds. The administration's excuses about "love affairs" sound like typical cover-ups. Justice for Subhabrata and Bishwajit!
A
Aman W
While the situation is concerning, let's not jump to conclusions. Prisons are tough places everywhere. Maybe better mental health support is needed rather than just blaming authorities.
S
Shreya B
My cousin worked in Burdwan jail briefly. He said the conditions are horrible - overcrowded, understaffed, and lots of corruption. No wonder such incidents happen. Complete system overhaul needed!
V
Varun X
Why only retired judge? Current sitting judge should investigate! This smacks of political interference. Mamata Banerjee government needs to answer tough questions about prison reforms.
N
Nisha Z
Heartbreaking for the families 💔 Prisoners have rights too, no matter their crimes. The "solitary confinement" detail is especially disturbing. When will we start treating all humans with basic dignity?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50