The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry based on the suo moto cognizance taken by the Commission regarding complaints made by inmates of Solapur District Prison about poor medical services. The Commission has also instructed the DGP to file a detailed affidavit along with a roadmap to address the issues faced by inmates and submit it before the Commission. The matter has been scheduled for a hearing on June 25.
According to the Commission’s report, the Chairperson visited the Solapur District Jail on December 6 last year. “During the visit, it was observed that the DGP had failed and neglected to provide proper medical treatment to the inmates. Despite housing over 500 inmates, not a single medical officer has been appointed on a permanent basis. Discussions with jail authorities revealed that a medical officer from Civil Hospital, Solapur, visits the prison only once or twice a week,” the report stated.
During interactions with inmates, several complaints were made about the lack of timely medical treatment despite repeated requests. Undertrial inmates Amol Krushna Anghat Pandhare and Somanth Nagraj Jalkote had also submitted written complaints regarding the issue.
In light of these concerns, the Commission provided the Superintendent of Solapur District Jail with photocopies of several letters addressed to various authorities requesting the regular appointment of a medical officer. However, no action has been taken so far.
A letter dated October 28, 2024, addressed to the Civil Hospital, stated that over 400–500 inmates suffer from various medical conditions. Jail authorities maintained that the prison OPD functions from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, but the medical officers from the Civil Hospital often visit between 12 PM and 3 PM. This discrepancy has led to difficulties in producing inmates before doctors.
In the complaint it was also surfaced that guards responsible for escorting inmates for treatment often report late, causing delays for those requiring urgent care. Despite multiple complaints, no action has been taken to replace the guards. Letters written by two inmates also alleged that guards demand bribes to take prisoners for medical examinations, failing which they are not taken for treatment.
The Commission’s Chairperson, in the suo moto complaint, also noted the absence of an ambulance in a prison housing more than 500 inmates. “These facts clearly indicate that due to the inaction of the DGP, the human rights of inmates are being violated. Therefore, the Commission has decided to pursue the matter under Section 12 of The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993,” the order stated.
