Post News Network
Cuttack, Sept 12: SCB Medical College and Hospital has virtually turned into a haven for several undertrial prisoners who use medical parole to protect themselves from the rigours of prison.
In the guise of health complications and violating government guidelines, the prisoners avail all modern facilities and luxuries of life at SCB. It is alleged that a racket of doctors, prison staffs, police officials and administrative officials are behind it.
There have been many instances of undertrial prisoners fleeing from the hospital due to lack of security.
History-sheeter Shahjahan Khan alias Patu was admitted to the SCB following bullet injuries in an encounter with police. However, he escaped from the hospital March 6 despite tight security. Six police officials were suspended after he fled.
In a similar incident, Pramod Mohanty, accused of killing his own brother and lodged in Choudwar jail, was brought to SCB on medical grounds but he escaped June 12.
Dipak Gupta, prime accused in the Uliburu mining scam, was admitted to SCB in February 2014. He spent over a month at the hospital and availed all the luxuries.
He ordered delicious food items from hotels while police officials used to provide him cell phone in violation of government guidelines. He was jailed again after a probe revealed that he was not sick.
Similarly, a dreaded criminal from Jagatsinghpur was admitted to SCB for 19 days. He used to meet other criminals regularly at the hospital. Later, he too was found to be hale and hearty.
Recently, Artha Tatwa group chief Pradip Sethy was admitted to SCB. Although one ASI and four policemen were ordered to guard Sethy, only one constable was deployed. Sethy used to allegedly bribe the police. His medical parole ended August 27 but he stayed there even after that. He was sent back to Jharpada jail after the matter came to light.
Sitansumohan Dey of Choudwar circle jail said, “The undertrial prisoners are being sent to the hospital medical following a court’s order. There is no role of jail authorities in the matter.”
SCB superintendent Pratap Chandra Rath claimed that all undertrials are admitted only after a thorough check up.