Bhubaneswar: At least eight inmates of the high-security Jharpada special jail in Bhubaneswar have reportedly tested HIV positive, triggering panic in the prison complex.
According to sources, a man arrested recently in a rape case and sent to the jail was found to be HIV positive after a health check-up. Following the detection, the jail authorities initiated official communication with the concerned authorities.
The jail officials wrote to the Special POCSO Court and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) after confirming the accused’s HIV-positive status, informing them of the matter. The communication was sent in accordance with official procedure.
Sources said some more inmates had already been tested HIV-positive before the case came to light. The jail is reported to have eight HIV positive inmates at present.
HIV positive inmates are kept in special cells in the jail. For this, regular counseling is done in the jail and health awareness is also being created. Even camps are being organised by doctors to create awareness for treatment, a senior jail official said.
