Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to take over the existing district jail at Tezu in Lohit district, currently being occupied by the CRPF. The decision to this effect was taken in the wake of the sensational jail break case of the Chowkham police outpost lock up from where 18 undertrial prisoners had escaped on July 19, official sources said here on Thursday.
The incident had raised questions about the competency of the police and judicial system in the district.
In the first phase, the units for juveniles, women and mentally retarded have been handed over to the Arunachal Pradesh Prison Authority.
Recently, IGP (Prison) J K Sharma had an elaborate meeting with the DC and SP for the early take over of the jail, sources said. “The jail also needs renovation as the main door and other minor infrastructures are not in good shape to accommodate the prisoners. The first phase of occupation will provide accommodation for 20 detainees and rest would be taken up in second phase,” the jailer said.
When queried about the shifting of the unit, CRPF Assistant Commandant J H Mandal said the entire establishment was made comfortable for the battalion.
“Several structures were built within the jail complex to make comfort the officials, general force and to store artillery and other requisite equipments which need several months to shift. Moreover at Namsai where the battalion is reallocated has inadequate space and lacks other essential amenities. We have to build up everything and require phase-wise shifting, which is not an easy task,” he said.
According to sources, total occupation of the jail by the government will be completed by January next. Chief Minster Nabum Tuki, who also holds the Home portfolio, following the jailbreak incident, has immediately asked the prison department to take over district jail. (PTI)