Remand prisoner dies in jail; kin allege torture by staff

Warangal: A remand prisoner lodged in the Mahabubabad sub-jail died while undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital in Warangal on Sunday. However, the family members attribute torture by jail staff for the prisoner’s death.

The deceased has been identified as Venkatesh alias Venkanna. According to reports, Venkatesh, a resident of JB Nagar in Chintal, Warangal, was an accused in a murder case registered in 2017. After being released on bail, he reportedly failed to appear for court hearings, following which the court issued an arrest warrant. Police took him into custody on July 31. He was produced before the court on August 1, which remanded him to judicial custody. He was later shifted to the Mahabubabad sub-jail. While in custody, Venkatesh suddenly fell ill, and jail authorities shifted him to a hospital in Mahabubabad. As his condition worsened, he was referred to MGM Hospital in Warangal.

Venkatesh died in the early hours of August 2 while undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital. However, his family members have alleged that he was severely beaten by jail staff, leading to his death. They have lodged a complaint demanding a thorough investigation and action against those responsible. The post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday in the presence of officials. The exact cause of death is expected to be confirmed after the post-mortem report is released.