Patna: The Bihar government has suspended Neeraj Kumar Jha, Superintendent of the Central Model Jail, Beur, with immediate effect following allegations of administrative irregularities and corruption within the prison system.
The action was taken after a joint inspection by prison and district administration teams on June 20, which reportedly flagged several operational violations inside the facility.
Suspension and Administrative Action
According to a notification issued by the Directorate of Correctional Services, Bihar, the suspension was ordered after preliminary findings pointed to lapses in prison management.
Jha has been attached to the Bhagalpur Central Jail headquarters during the suspension period. Rajiv Kumar, Assistant Inspector General (Prisons), has been given additional charge of Superintendent, Beur Jail.
Officials have indicated that further action may also be initiated against other prison staff, including the jailer and assistant superintendent, pending the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
Findings From the Inspection
Sources linked to the inspection team said the June 20 raid uncovered several alleged irregularities in prison operations.
These included the presence of an unauthorised mess operating inside wards, use of electric heaters, and reported sale of goods in the canteen above the maximum retail price (MRP).
The inspection also flagged concerns over non-adherence to the prescribed inmate meal menu and allegations of illegal extortion within the facility.
Concerns Over Prison Management
The inquiry reportedly raised concerns about the housing of juvenile inmates alongside older and more hardened prisoners, which officials said could expose them to exploitation.
During the inspection, questions were also raised about security arrangements, with reports suggesting that the visiting team was not adequately accompanied inside inmate areas.
Ongoing Inquiry
The state government has stated that action will be taken in accordance with its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct in public institutions.
The Directorate of Correctional Services has initiated a detailed inquiry into the functioning of Beur Jail, and further administrative measures are expected based on its findings.
