Jails across the state are overflowing with under-trials as the accused are not getting bail because of the ongoing lawyers’ strike.
A 28-year-old under-trial, lodged in Baripada jail, could not perform his mother’s last rites as he could not get bail. His family waited for two days for his release and then his younger brother performed the last rituals of the woman.
Sanjay Soren, a resident of Sikarghati village in Baripad Sadar police station limits, was arrested by the excise officials on September 9 allegedly for being involved in hooch trade. He was sent to Baripada jail under judicial custody.
His 60-year-old mother, Somabari Soren, died at the district headquarters hospital on Monday following brief illness. The family members waited till Wednesday for Sanjay, who is Simabari’s eldest son, to lit her pyre and perform the last rites. However, since he could not secure a bail due to the lawyers’ strike, his younger brother performed the rites on Wednesday. Sanjay’s family members claimed that they had also approached the jail authorities for his release, but the officials had turned down their request.
Superintendent of Baripada circle jail Niranjan Das said: “A petition was received to release him from jail. But our jail manuals don’t permit us do so.” He also admitted that the jail was overflowing with inmates due to cease work of the advocates.
Lawyers of Orissa High Court and lower courts of the state have decided to continue with their cease work till the policemen “involved in the assault on their colleague in Cuttack” sometime ago are arrested. The court will reopen after the Puja vacation on October 25. The lawyers will continue with their cease work at least till then.