Death of prisoner causes clashes in Midnapore Central Jail - India

Twenty seven people, including six jail staff, were injured during a clash with Maoists lodged in Midnapore Central Jail here today.

Six jail staff, including head warden Deepak Kumar Baidya, were injured when Maoists lodged in the prison complex clashed with them following the death of an undertrial prisoner here last night, said officials.

The Maoists alleged that the undertrial prisoner, Kailash Das, had died due to the negligence of the prison officials.

Twenty one prisoners were also injured in the melee, said officials, adding that the injured have been rushed to the Midnapore Medical College Hospital.

For the last two months, Maoists lodged in the complex have been agitating against the alleged poor quality of food served in the jail other sub-standard facilities.

Many high profile Maoists including PCPA leader Chattradhar Mahato are lodged in the Midnapore Central jail

22/3/2011