Housing inmates beyond capacity has caused health issues among the inmates in Kapilvastu District Jail. The jail which has a capacity of 352, is currently accommodating 469 inmates. Of them, 318 are convicted prisoners and 151 are detainees. Among these, one convicted prisoner and 11 detainees are foreign nationals. The Jail holds the highest number of inmates for drug-related offenses with 133 individuals, 122 for rape, 90 for killing, 37 for vehicular killing, 12 for robbery, 18 for theft, eight for abduction, five for human trafficking, eight for attempted killing, six for fraud, six for polygamy, four for organized crime, and two for illegal possession of arms and ammunition.
With the rise in temperature, Block No. 2 of the jail has been facing a drinking water shortage. The issue arose after water stopped flowing from the taps due to the increasing heat. The shortage has made it difficult for inmates to bathe, wash clothes, and access drinking water, prompting efforts to resolve the issue. Currently, the jail houses 45 inmates suffering from skin-related diseases, one inmate who requires regular medication for asthma, 30 inmates with high blood pressure or diabetes, two with tuberculosis, 10 taking medication for substance-related issues, and three inmates infected with HIV.
Similarly, there are 20 inmates suffering from cold and cough, 10 who require regular heart medication, five with mental health conditions, 37 with bone and joint problems, and three with epilepsy, according to Health Assistant Manish Ojha at the jail. Reshamlal Bhusal of Kapilvastu District Jail stated that the jail currently houses individuals aged between 18 and 79. Among them, 12 are above 65 years old, eight are above 70, and two are above 75, categorized as senior citizens. Due to overcrowding, inmates face challenges such as having to wait in line to sleep, sit, use the toilet, and bathe. The excessive heat and overcrowding have also led to an increase in skin-related infections inside the jail.
This Category ‘B’ jail is built for 352 inmates, but it’s holding far more than that,” said Bhusal. “Just imagine how unbearable it is in this heat.” He explained that overcrowding in such a confined space has led to multiple health issues among the inmates. Even in these conditions, inmates are learning skills like making bamboo stools and weaving Bhaktapur caps. They also earn money by selling these items. A single stool sells for anywhere between Rs 300 and Rs 1,200. Currently, Kapilvastu Jail houses inmates from Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Gulmi, Pyuthan, Dang, and other districts. The government provides each inmate with Rs 80 and 700 grams of rice per day.