KAPILVASTU, June 30: Tensions flared at Kapilvastu Prison after inmates of B Block launched a protest, accusing a group of “naikes” — inmates assigned internal administrative roles — of abusing their authority and mistreating fellow prisoners.
The protesting inmates have taken control of B Block, locking its main gate and confining three inmates holding internal prison roles: B Block’s main Naike Keyar Singh Khatri, assistant Naike Bijay Khatri, and Arjun Tharu.
According to the protesting inmates, the three have been locked inside since around 2 PM. They alleged that the Naike group assaulted them on Saturday over a minor dispute and intensified harassment after inmates raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the distribution of rations and other facilities.
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A source at the prison administration said that a group led by prison chowkidar Damodar Tharu had severely beaten inmates Mohammad Hanif Musalman, Sujan BK, Niraj Karki, and Habibur Rahman. The inmates claimed they were compelled to take control of the block after the prison administration failed to take action against those involved.
The protesting inmates have submitted an 18-point demand, including the removal of the naike group from internal prison administration roles and a guarantee that state-provided services and facilities will not be reduced.
A team led by Chief District Officer Janardan Gautam and Deputy Superintendent of Police Ripendra Kumar Singh reached the prison on Monday afternoon in an attempt to resolve the dispute. However, Assistant Chief District Officer Bhavishwor Ghimire said talks had not taken place until Monday evening as the protesting inmates refused to sit for negotiations.
Ghimire said the administration was ready to discuss their demands, but the inmates had not agreed to the dialogue.
The inmates remain inside the prison after locking the main gate. The district administration and police have not issued a detailed statement about the incident. No injuries have been reported so far.
Kapilvastu Prison currently houses more than 350 inmates.
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