Bhubaneswar, Jun 24: Panic gripped Jharpada Jail on Tuesday afternoon after seven inmates fell seriously ill under suspicious circumstances following consumption of food items from canteen and medicines from jail hospital.

Authorities reported that the undertrial prisoners’ health deteriorated rapidly, with some foaming at the mouth, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Initially, the prisoners were treated at the jail hospital, but as condition of five inmates worsened, they were shifted to Capital Hospital around 5 PM.

Also read: Odisha Vigilance Nabs Rayagada Engineer in Bribery Trap

Three were admitted directly to the ICU, while two others were transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to lack of ICU beds.

The five inmates have been identified as Sajid Khan, Simanchal Kunj, Bikash Paithal, Babula Pradhan, and Maoist leader Rupu Singh.

Rupu Singh was among the two inmates, who were transferred to AIIMS. Rupu Singh was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in September last year for his alleged involvement in the Rourkela railway line blast. He has since been discharged from AIIMS and has already returned to jail.

Three inmates remain in critical condition at Capital Hospital ICU, with one still undergoing treatment at AIIMS. Security has been tightened around the Capital Hospital, including the ICU.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena and senior police officials visited the hospital late Tuesday night. Nearly five platoons of police have been deployed, with strict checks at hospital entry points and a police camp set up near the ICU.

DIG Biren Sahoo from Jail Headquarters reached Jharpada Jail to investigate the incident where inmates fell ill. He stated that if a drug link is found, strict action will follow.

Medicines and possible narcotics will be thoroughly examined, and all angles are being investigated. Acting on the DG’s instructions, two DIGs have been assigned responsibility. DIG Anusaya Jena also arrived at Jharpada Jail for the probe.

Authorities are probing how the inmates became sick inside the jail. CCTV footage of prisoner movements will be checked. If evidence of narcotics involvement emerges, action will be taken.

Apart from the five affected inmates, another five prisoners will also be questioned as part of the investigation.