Prisons Department rejects Owaisi’s bribery allegations against Chanchalguda jail Superintendent

The Telangana Prisons Department has rejected allegations that the Superintendent of Central Prison, Chanchalguda, accepted bribe from a rowdy-sheeter accused in an advocate’s murder case and helped him secure bail, terming the claims ‘completely baseless, false and without any factual foundation’.

The clarification was issued following allegations by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi concerning the functioning of the prison and its Superintendent. The allegations also suggested that the official was extending cooperation to the individual to plan further attacks.

Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Hyderabad Range, D. Srinivas, said the department strongly refutes the allegations of corruption, collusion or undue favour being extended to any prisoner.

Pointing out that bail was decided by the competent court, the department said jail authorities had no role in granting or deciding bail for an accused or prisoner.

“The prison administration only implements the orders issued by the competent judicial authorities in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures,” the department said, adding that any specific evidence supporting the allegations could be placed before the competent authority for verification and appropriate action.

The department also denied the possibility of prisoners being allowed to hold unauthorised gatherings or meetings inside the prison. Prisoners were segregated and managed according to their security classification, institutional requirements and applicable prison rules, it said.

Responding to the allegation that prison facilities were being used to plan attacks outside the jail, the department said the administration remained vigilant against criminal activity, intimidation, conspiracy or misuse of prison facilities. Strict action would be initiated against any prisoner or staff member found violating prison rules or attempting to facilitate unlawful activities, it said.

“There is no question of permitting any prisoner to use prison facilities for planning or coordinating attacks outside the prison,” the department said, maintaining that decisions concerning admission, custody, movement and release of prisoners were taken in accordance with applicable laws and prison rules.