Human rights panel issues notices to district magistrate, inspector prisons

Panaji: The Goa Human Rights Commission on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of TOI report ‘Undertrial tries to immolate self inside Colvale jail’ and has issued notices to the district magistrate North Goa and the inspector general of prisons to inquire into the matter and submit their reports to the commission.
The commission’s acting chairperson and member Desmond D Costa and member Pramod V Kamat have directed the reports to be submitted to the commission by Dec 10.
The commission has directed the district magistrate North Goa and inspector general of prisons to appear before the commission in person or through a representative and submit their reports on Dec 10.
TOI had reported on Oct 10 that an undertrial at Colvale Central Jail tried to immolate himself, after which he was shifted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC). The undertrial, who was undergoing treatment, is now safe, police had said.
TOI reported that sources said the prisoner was found dealing with psychological issues prior to the incident and has been in the jail for a long time in a rape case. He was not getting surety for his bail as no one could trust him enough.