A view of the ‘neta ward’ at the newly-constructed Ranchi Central Jail at Hotwar. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Aug. 21: A bungalow with four rooms overlooking a lawn, each of them airconditioned with attached baths and television with cable connection. Welcome to a five-star prison for VIP prisoners.

Political leaders, put behind bars, will no longer have to use their influence to obtain 'A
Class' facilities at Ranchi central jail, currently under construction at Hotwar, some 18 km from the capital.

Workers putting the final touches to Hotwar jail said the prison, which they termed 'neta
ward', with its eight rooms with all the trappings of a luxury hotel, would be fully capable of 'holding great political leaders from the Prime Minister and chief minister down to state ministers'.

Spread over more than 72 acres of land which once housed the famous animal hus
bandry department poultry, dairy and piggery farms, amid lush green surroundings, the 'neta ward' has been located near the main entrance, some 50 yards from the main jail gate.

The VIP ward comprises two bungalow-type accommodation. Each bungalow has four
rooms, two on each side, equipped with attached toilets and a common lounge. The two bungalows have been separated from the other wards by a high boundary wall to ensure the right ambience for the VIP inmates.

Labourers working at the site explained that facilities have been provided for installing airconditioners in all the eight rooms, provisions for cable TVs and all other facilities. Only the thick iron gates, with separate locking devices, that have been put up at the entrance of each room give them a semblance of a jail.

The only discomfort for the VIPs used to a five-star lifestyle will be that Indian-type lavato
ries have been used in all the eight toilets.

“The tender requirements specified only Indian-type commodes and we have diligently stuck to the work order issued by the state government,” supervisors at the site said.

Home officials reacted strongly when told about the nomenclature. “A distinct ward has been constructed for A-class political prisoners, if any, and attendant facilities have been provided as laid down in the jail manual,” said an official.

Home secretary J.B. Tubid said once the prison was ready in all respects, arrangements would be made to shift the inmates from Birsa Munda central jail in one day.

More than 95 per cent of all civil and electrical jobs have been completed. The premises, capable of housing at least 1,500 inmates, have been provided with a hospital, theatre, a playground with stadium-like seating facilities and even a “factory” to keep the inmates busy throughout their stay in the jail.

As many as 92 watchtowers have also been set up in addition to a central tower to monitor every movement. Three borewells have been dug to ensure “uninterrupted” water supply. However, workers said at least two borewells had failed, leaving the jail with only a single serviceable borewell.

The gallows will be located at the farthest end away from all the wards. “The condemned hangman’s cell would be constructed after all other work is completed,” the supervisor explained.