Patna, June 23: The Bihar government has taken significant action following serious irregularities and administrative failures revealed during a surprise inspection at the Beur Central Jail in Patna. Former jail superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jha has been suspended due to his accountability for the chaos, indiscipline, and negligence within the jail administration.
According to a resolution issued by the Jail and Correctional Services Inspection Directorate, a joint team of jail inspection and district administration officials conducted an unannounced inspection and raid at Beur Jail. The investigation uncovered numerous serious irregularities within the jail premises. It was found that nearly all wards were illegally operating private messes, and heaters were being used for cooking. In fact, inmates were caught preparing food on heaters while the inspection team was present.
The investigation also revealed that items in the jail canteen were being sold to inmates at prices exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The jail administration was supplying goods to inmates at inflated prices after purchasing them from outside. Furthermore, the prescribed menu was not being followed, and most inmates were arranging their meals through private messes, leading to allegations of illegal extortion.
The most alarming issue involved the high-security section, where young inmates were housed alongside older and notorious criminals. The inspection team indicated that this practice increased the risk of mental and physical exploitation of young inmates. Additionally, it was noted that the maintenance of records was not in accordance with regulations. The resolution stated that the jail administration did not provide the necessary cooperation to the inspection team. Allegations arose that jail officials left the inspection team among inmates without adequate security.
Despite being on leave, former superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jha arrived at the jail and obstructed the investigation, which was deemed a serious act of indiscipline. Based on these findings, the Bihar government has suspended Neeraj Kumar Jha with immediate effect under the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 2005. During the suspension period, his headquarters has been designated as the Special Central Jail in Bhagalpur.
Additionally, a decision has been made to initiate departmental proceedings against him. In the meantime, Rajiv Kumar, the Assistant Inspector General of Prisons (Region), has been assigned the additional charge of Beur Jail Superintendent. The Home Department clarified that the action has received approval at the Chief Minister’s level. The resolution related to this matter was issued by Sanjeev Jamuar, Additional Secretary and Director of the Home Department (Prisons), on Tuesday.
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