A prisoner lodged in Mahoba jail on charges of rape created a stir when he allegedly consumed powdered glass, claiming it was the result of harassment and torture by fellow inmates. The undertrial, who was later presented before the Banda court, reportedly informed officials that he had mixed powdered glass with water and drank it before his court appearance. His health deteriorated rapidly while he was being escorted to the court premises, leading to an immediate medical emergency. Police personnel rushed him first to the district hospital, where his condition was assessed, and later, doctors referred him to a medical college for advanced treatment. Officials confirmed that the incident caused considerable tension in the Banda court campus on Saturday as panic spread following the sudden illness of the prisoner during proceedings.
According to preliminary details, the prisoner stated that repeated harassment and torture by fellow inmates inside Mahoba jail forced him to take such a drastic step. He alleged that he had raised these issues multiple times before the jail authorities, including the jailor and superintendent, but no concrete action was ever taken to address his grievances. Frustration and a sense of helplessness, he claimed, pushed him to resort to consuming powdered glass before being brought for his hearing. Witnesses at Atarra court recounted that the prisoner collapsed during his appearance, compelling police officers to act swiftly and arrange immediate medical attention.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Praveen Yadav confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the accused had indeed admitted to swallowing glass inside the jail due to grievances that he had against his conditions and treatment. He clarified that the prisoner is currently admitted to the medical college, where he is receiving better treatment. The DSP also noted that both Mahoba police officials and the jail administration, including the superintendent, have been duly informed, and further legal action will follow based on the enquiry findings.
Early reports indicate that the prisoner consistently complained of harassment and torture by his fellow inmates within the barracks, yet his complaints went unheard despite several appeals. Authorities have now launched a formal enquiry into the matter, and both the police department and the jail administration are jointly investigating the circumstances that led to the prisoner’s extreme action. The case has brought renewed focus to the conditions inside Mahoba jail and has raised questions about the responsiveness of jail authorities to prisoner complaints.
