MIRPUR:A former prisoner has called for a high-level, transparent and impartial inquiry into alleged corruption, financial exploitation of inmates, abuse of authority and other irregularities at Mirpur Central Jail, while the jail administration has rejected the allegations as baseless and fabricated. Addressing a press conference at the Kashmir Press Club on Tuesday, Raja Salamat Hussain, son of Karamat Hussain, claimed that during his five-year imprisonment in a case he described as false, he had witnessed financial irregularities, mistreatment of inmates and alleged unlawful activities within the prison.
Salamat alleged that mobile phones were being used inside the jail in violation of rules, with prisoners allegedly charged Rs10,000 for their use, while newly admitted inmates and under-trial detainees were reportedly charged Rs5,000 for bedding and additional amounts for food and other necessities. He also alleged that detainees were made to perform work and charged money under various pretexts. Raising questions about the monitoring system, he called for scrutiny of the jail’s B-Class and VIP facilities, alleged preferential treatment of certain inmates, and claims that prisoners were allowed to leave the premises and spend nights at private residences in return for payments. He urged authorities to examine prison records, duty rosters, CCTV footage, inmates’ movements and financial transactions.
The former prisoner further claimed that he had previously approached the AJK chief secretary over alleged irregularities and that an inquiry report prepared into the matter had subsequently gone missing. He levelled allegations against certain jail officials, including Superintendent Fazal Abbasi, and sought scrutiny of arrangements involving DIG Mirza Irshad. Salamat also claimed that 14 individuals had attacked him after he made videos purportedly documenting irregularities inside the jail, and that he subsequently faced threats and pressure. He urged the AJK government, chief secretary, Home Department, inspector general of police and other relevant authorities to entrust the matter to an independent agency or officer, investigate the alleged assault and establish the facts. He also expressed concerns for his personal safety. The allegations have not been independently verified.
In a clarification issued on Tuesday, the Mirpur Central Jail administration categorically denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and fabricated. According to the statement, Salamat Hussain had been detained in a narcotics case and had repeatedly lodged complaints against the jail authorities during his detention. The administration maintained that he had continued making allegations against the police following his arrest and had repeatedly attempted to disturb the peaceful environment of the prison, prompting officials to monitor his activities. Rejecting his latest claims as a continuation of earlier complaints, the jail administration called on the media and relevant authorities to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry to establish the facts.