Standoff between inmates & cops over demand for parole amid virus scare

Darjeeling: A standoff took place between inmates of the Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home and security forces on Saturday with the inmates demanding that they be let out on parole owing to the Corona pandemic.

At around 11 am the inmates of the new complex of the correctional home had started demonstrating inside the complex demanding that they be released on parole. By noon the demonstrations started turning violent with the inmates pelting stones and even blocking the gate from inside with stone slabs from the garden.

The staff of the correctional home including 6 wardens were trapped inside. There are 1,274 inmates in the correctional home with 500 lodged in the new complex. Out of the 500 around 200 have been arrested under the NDPS Act (drug-related crimes). "The inmates who have been charged under the NDPS Act started the protests. They took out bricks from the garden and started throwing them along with pelting stones. They damaged the CCTV cameras. We immediately called in the police," said Ashim Acharya, Chief Disciplinary Officer.

Large police and RAF contingent arrived led by Abhishek Modi, Superintendent of Police, Jalpaiguri. Police forces were brought in from Kotwali police station, Rajgunj, Maynaguri and Dhupguri.

The inmates were armed with branches of trees, pipes from the goalposts from the playgrounds. The security forces surrounded the correctional home.

At around 5 pm the SP along with other police and correctional home top brass managed to enter the correctional home and negotiate with the inmates. They were finally sent into their cells.

There was no report of any injury on both sides. "The situation is under control. We have started an investigation. Action will be taken against all found guilty," stated Modi.

Meanwhile, police implemented the lockdown stringently in Darjeeling district. In Siliguri, 213 persons were arrested and 79 bikes and

cars seized. In Darjeeling, 12 persons including 5 ladies were arrested for violating lockdown norms. 2 persons were arrested from the Druk Bar in Darjeeling for selling liquor from the Bar during the lockdown.

The Darjeeling District Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police, Siliguri Metropolitan Police visited the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital on Saturday.

4 police personnel from Bagdogra who were admitted at the Desun Hospital (COVID-19 screening hospital) on Friday with symptoms were all released on Saturday. All four have tested negative.