Ahmedabad News: Ahmedabad was shaken early Friday morning after a prisoner lodged at Sabarmati Central Jail allegedly died by suicide inside the prison premises. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 17, has once again raised serious concerns about inmate welfare and mental health monitoring inside correctional facilities. According to official sources, the prisoner had been in custody for just nine days before the tragic incident took place.
The deceased has been identified as Nishan Singh Lohar, a 31-year-old undertrial prisoner originally from Punjab. He was arrested in connection with a theft case registered at the Viramgam Railway Police Station and was transferred to Sabarmati Central Jail on January 8. Jail officials confirmed that Lohar was found hanging in the bathroom area of his barrack during the early morning hours.
Incident Occurred in Early Morning Hours
As per information provided by prison authorities, the incident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am inside Barrack No. 4 of the Shantiniketan Yard within the high-security Sabarmati Central Jail. Lohar reportedly went to the prison bathroom and used his turban to hang himself.
Routine checks carried out by prison staff later revealed the incident. Jail authorities immediately alerted the medical team stationed at the facility. However, doctors who examined the inmate declared him dead on arrival, confirming that he had already succumbed before any medical assistance could be provided.
Prisoner Was an Undertrial Lodged for Theft
According to official records, Nishan Singh Lohar was an undertrial prisoner and had not yet been convicted. He had been booked in a theft case by the Viramgam Railway Police and was transferred to Sabarmati Central Jail following his arrest. Sources within the jail administration stated that Lohar was engaged in routine raw work duties assigned to inmates and had not reportedly caused any disciplinary issues during his brief stay.
The deceased was originally from Punjab, and authorities are in the process of contacting his family members to inform them about the incident. The sudden death has left prison officials and fellow inmates in shock, as there were reportedly no immediate warning signs or complaints lodged by the prisoner prior to the incident.
No Suicide Note Found
During a preliminary inspection of the scene and Lohar’s personal belongings, officials confirmed that no suicide note was recovered. This has made it difficult for investigators to determine the exact reason behind the extreme step taken by the inmate.
Jail authorities have stated that all standard operating procedures were followed, and the area was immediately secured after the incident came to light. Senior prison officials also conducted an internal review of the circumstances surrounding the death.
Police Register Accidental Death Case
Following the incident, the Sabarmati Central Jail administration informed Ranip Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the area. A police team reached the jail premises, conducted an initial inquiry, and recorded statements from jail staff and officials present at the time.
Ranip Police have registered a case of accidental death under relevant legal provisions and have initiated a detailed investigation to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the prisoner’s death. The body has been sent for postmortem examination, and the final cause of death will be confirmed after the forensic report is received.
A senior police official stated that all angles are being examined as part of the investigation. “At this stage, it appears to be a case of suicide. However, we are verifying all aspects, including the prisoner’s mental state, medical history, and jail records, before drawing any conclusions,” the official said.
Questions Raised Over Prisoner Welfare
This incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding the mental health and psychological support available to inmates, especially undertrial prisoners who often face emotional distress, uncertainty, and isolation during incarceration. Experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of regular counseling, mental health screening, and close monitoring of inmates, particularly those who are newly admitted to jail.
According to prison sources, Lohar had been in custody for only nine days, a period often considered critical for inmates as they adjust to the jail environment. Whether he was experiencing stress, anxiety, or other personal issues remains unknown at this stage.
Authorities Assure Cooperation in Investigation
The Sabarmati Central Jail administration has assured full cooperation with the police investigation. Officials stated that CCTV footage from common areas is being reviewed, and all relevant records, including duty rosters and inmate movement logs, have been made available to the investigating team.
Senior jail officials also mentioned that an internal inquiry would be conducted as per standard procedure whenever a custodial death occurs. If any lapses are identified during the investigation, appropriate action will be taken, they added.
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Growing Concern Over Custodial Deaths-Ahmedabad News
Incidents like this continue to draw attention to custodial deaths across the country and the need for stronger safeguards within prison systems. Human rights activists and legal experts have often called for independent oversight mechanisms and improved mental health infrastructure in jails to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding what led Nishan Singh Lohar to take such a drastic step within days of entering custody. The outcome of the postmortem report and police inquiry is expected to provide further clarity in the coming days.
This developing incident has become a significant part of Ahmedabad news, prompting discussions around prison reforms, inmate well-being, and the responsibilities of correctional institutions in ensuring the safety and mental health of those in their custody.
