HIV+ convict’s plea foxes Ranchi jail

December 25, 2007

HIV+ convict's plea foxes Ranchi jailAds By Google

Prabhash C Jha, Hindustan Times, Ranchi, December 25, 2007

The Birsa Munda Central Jail (BMCJ) authorities here are in a fix

over a suspected HIV infected life convict who has been lodged in

isolation. Repeated pleas by Mahesh (name changed) to allow him to

move around with other prisoners have fallen on deaf ears as the jail

authorities fear that he could be assaulted once the other prisoners

come to know of his illness.

Unaware of his illness, Mahesh begs to get out of his cell. But,

authorities, bound by the protocol, cannot risk granting his wish.

Jail Medical Officer Dr Vinod Kumar admitted that the authorities are

in a dilemma.

" His pleas are heart-rending. But we are helpless, as he has to be

secluded from other prisoners for constant observation for about five

months that the HIV virus takes to manifest itself under the

microscope. This apart other prisoners could object to his presence, "

said Kumar.

Jail Superintendent, Abraham Minz also said that he has no idea what

to do with Mahesh. " The jail has about 2,000 prisoners and if we let

him mingle with others it could endanger his life. Besides, we have

just done what the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has

directed us after a series of tests, " explained Minz.

Mahesh had the freedom to mingle with other prisoners and share jokes

with them inside the four walls of the jail till he sustained an

injury and was operated on at RIMS. It was there that the doctors

suspected the trace of HIV virus in his blood.

Mahesh had since been lodged in a cell where he would be kept in

isolation till the blood test reports arrive after five months.

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