Ghorahi Prison is holding three times more inmates than its capacity. During a monitoring visit conducted on March 24 by the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), Jailor Thaman Khadka of the District Jail Office, Ghorahi, informed that the prison, which has a capacity of 125 inmates, is currently housing 429 inmates.
The prison administration stated that the overcrowding has created difficulties in managing accommodation. The district jail currently holds 236 convicted inmates and 193 detainees. As it is located near the District Court, most detainees are kept in the district jail for ease of transportation during court appearances. Jailor Khadka mentioned that although there is no shortage of water due to an in-house boring system, the high number of inmates has caused problems in living arrangements. He also informed that there are 22 chronically ill inmates and 6 individuals with mental health issues in the jail.
The jail has provisions such as a boring system and water filters for drinking water, and a senior health assistant along with medicines for treatment. Additionally, facilities such as a library, sports, dance classes, yoga, newspapers, television, telephone services, and opportunities for some inmates to produce carpets, stools, and furniture items have been arranged, according to Jailor Khadka. The prison has 14 toilets and 5 bathrooms, and he stated that there are no major sanitation issues. Telephone services are available throughout the week, while family visits are allowed on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Health check-ups are conducted inside the prison on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 24-hour medical services and medicines are available in case of emergencies. For serious cases, inmates are referred to the Central Prison Department.
Jailor Khadka also stated that the prison, spread over approximately 1.12 acres of land, lacks an outer boundary wall, posing security risks. Despite repeated requests to the federal and provincial governments, no action has been taken, and the risk remains. During the monitoring visit, inmates also demanded that their voter registration be arranged. Jail leader Bibeksingh Thakuri said that many inmates do not have voter registration and requested support in facilitating the process. The monitoring was led by INSEC District Representative Jayanarayan Pun, with participation from journalists and civil society representatives.