Silchar Central Jail
From Our Special Correspondent
Silchar, Jan 16: A sensation has been created over the death of a prisoner in Silchar Central Jail. The prisoner in question has been identified as Rocket Sharma (60). He comes from the Thoubal district of Manipur. He has been staying temporarily in a rented house at Itkhola of this town. After receiving the information, his family members from Guwahati came down to Silchar. A senior family member alleged that Rocket Sharma was a victim of torture in the jail and he died of physical and mental pressures. He also alleged that the family members did not get any information about his postmortem. It was their belief that he was a victim of torture inside the jail and this has to be fairly investigated to bring out the truth.
When contacted, Haren Chandra Kalita, jail superintendent, denied allegations of torture on Rocket Sharma. According to him, Sharma was brought to the jail on November 18, 2017 after being convicted in a case of cheating under section 420/406. He was arrested by Malugram police outpost and put on trial and then sent to the jail. Kalita added to say he was a heart patient and was under regular medical checkup at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. He was also taken care of by the doctor of the jail considering his age and health.
The jail superintendent further mentioned that Rocket Sharma was granted bail by the court. The family members at Guwahati were accordingly informed. Sadly enough, none turned up to receive him or take him back home, perhaps taking it as a case of prestige and honour to their family. On January 13, Sharma experienced respiratory problem and was taken to SMCH. After examition, he was released and brought back to jail. Following day, his condition deteriorated and again rushed to the SMCH where he expired.