Paradip: Inmates of Kujang sub-jail near port town have protested against alleged sub-standard and inadequate food being served to them by the authorities.

Fifty-six of the 63 prisoners lodged in the jail have shot off a grievance petition addressed to the Kujang judicial magistrate first class in this regard. A group of jail inmates, while being brought to the court for trial on Monday, submitted the petition before the court.

Charges of the inmates relates to poor quality and insufficient food. The petition said the food being served to the jail inmates was worm-infested and cooked in unhygienic conditions. They are also being denied of safe drinking water. Besides, the quantity of food is also inadequate for them. However, the jail authorities said the food quality was being thoroughly maintained, according to the jail manual.

"We interacted with the inmates and the jail officials. The prisoners alleged that they were being provided with poor quality of food. But, the officials denied the charges. The matter is being inquired into," said Choudwar circle jail superintendent Niranjan Das.

"We are trying our level best to maintain the quality of prisoners' diet. Food being served to them is both qualitative and hygienic. But, we admit that the ration for the prison diet has recently been downsized. While per head quota of rice had earlier been 600 grams daily, it was now brought to 500 grams. Besides, other ration items have also been trimmed, according to the direction from higher-ups. So, the diet has dropped a little quantity wise," said jailor Manaswini Das.