Over 71,000 prisoners and under-trials are currently held across Punjab’s 45 jails, including 68,570 men and 1,310 women. PHOTO: FILE
GUJRANWALA:
A series of daily alleged police encounters against drug peddlers and other suspected criminals in Gujranwala has resulted in nearly 160 injured men being sent to jail here, creating logistical and medical challenges for prison authorities, according to sources.
Jail officials said the influx of injured inmates, most of
them with fractured legs, had led to a shortage of beds in the prison.
Authorities were forced to vacate a barrack and place mattresses on the floor to accommodate the wounded prisoners, the sources said.
The situation has been compounded by the absence of orthopaedic specialists and an operation theatre in the jail hospital, causing difficulties for both inmates and staff.
The sources said that amid the worsening situation, the health department had supplied additional medicines to the jail to meet emergency needs. However, the lack of specialised medical facilities remains a concern.
Police sources claim that operations against criminals have intensified.
They said three to seven encounters were being reported daily in the region, particularly involving drug dealers and highway robbers.
The officials said lists of “wanted and habitual offenders” were prepared at the police station level, and teams were assigned targets.
According to police accounts, many suspects suffer injuries while attempting to flee during raids, allegedly after running into electricity poles, walls, canal bridges or trees.
As a result, a large number of detained suspects have reportedly suffered leg fractures.
Cases have been registered against them on charges of resisting police and drug-related offences, and they have been shifted to the jail after medical treatment.
The jail sources revealed that the ongoing situation had created fear among inmates, including under-trial prisoners accused of robbery, theft and drug peddling.
Several prisoners have reportedly withdrawn their bail applications, fearing that they could face similar outcomes if released and re-arrested.
Meanwhile, special teams have been deployed at police stations to enhance surveillance and tracking of suspected criminals, particularly those allegedly involved in drug trafficking from other areas.
Responding to questions, Jail Superintendent Azhar Javed Cheema told The Express Tribune that there was no shortage of medicines in the prison.
“Our medical demands are submitted on a weekly basis and medicines are provided accordingly,” he said, adding that inmates were being provided facilities strictly in accordance with the Punjab government policies and jail rules.
District Health Officer Dr Adil Ayub also confirmed that additional medicines had been supplied to address the situation, while authorities continue to monitor the condition of injured inmates.
