Bhubaneswar, Jul 2: Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar has once again come under the spotlight after reports confirmed that eight inmates are HIV positive, sparking fear and anxiety among prisoners and staff.

The latest revelation came after one accused, recently charge-sheeted by the Mahila Police Station in connection with the rape of a minor girl at a coaching centre, was found to be HIV positive.

Jail authorities immediately informed the Special POCSO Court and the DCP through official communication, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Also read: Odisha Courts Deliver Contrasting Rulings

The disclosure has created a tense atmosphere inside the jail, with concerns mounting over the spread of infections and the overall health infrastructure available to inmates. Authorities have assured that medical monitoring and preventive measures are being strengthened.

Meanwhile, in a bid to tighten surveillance, 32 AI-powered cameras have been installed along the jail’s perimeter walls.

These cameras, expected to become fully operational soon, will monitor prisoner activities and help curb the smuggling of narcotics and contraband into the facility. Officials believe the AI system will provide a much-needed boost to prison security.

The jail has faced repeated controversies in recent months. Earlier, seven inmates were hospitalised in critical condition after consuming excessive amounts of cough syrup and expired medicines, initially suspected to be food poisoning.

Doctors later confirmed substance abuse, exposing serious lapses in monitoring and control inside the prison. The incident raised troubling questions about how narcotics substitutes were making their way into the jail.

Adding to the crisis, the jail’s security wall was found to have collapsed, further undermining claims of foolproof security.

On June 23, the seven affected inmates were rushed to Capital Hospital and AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition. Their health has since stabilised, but the incident has placed the jail administration under intense scrutiny. Police forces were deployed overnight at the hospitals, with the Bhubaneswar DCP personally inspecting the situation.