“No one truly knows a Nation until one has been inside its Jail”
– Nelson Mandela
The state of Tamil Nadu is currently witnessing the thriving of a jail racket, which operates covertly within the guise of the prison system. Regardless of the genuineness of one’s condition, quick settlement of medical fees enables individuals to circumvent their incarceration period expediently. This phenomenon entails a dangerous conspiracy involving medical professionals, legal practitioners, and prison authorities.
Based on the available sources, it has been reported that medical practitioners, in collaboration with the prison authorities, allegedly requested a sum of Rs 50,000 in exchange for securing the necessary approval for a detainee to be transferred to either the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital or Royapettah General Hospital for medical care. In order to gain admission to any of these hospitals, it is necessary to provide a bribe ranging from 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs.
BRIBE RATES: –
- Rs.50, 000 for Referral
- Rs.3 to 5 lakhs for Hospital Admission
- Rs.50, 000 for Clearance
Digital Transactions
It is important to acknowledge that the funds obtained through bribery are not collected within prisons. Digital transactions performed by the relatives of inmates to their lawyers occur externally.
The business is deemed financially advantageous for many individuals and holds potential benefits for prisoners with the financial means to cover the substantial costs. However, the malevolent cycle has put prisoners’ lives at risk, particularly those who lack the means to secure unaffordable funds.
An individual who refuses to provide the requested bribe is not accommodated, even if their circumstances are vulnerable. There have been other instances in which patients were either left unattended or experienced delayed attendance, resulting in life-threatening outcomes. Moreover, there have been numerous cases where people have died of their diseases.
Money and Muscle Power
Preferential treatment is conferred upon three individuals belonging to a family of high socioeconomic status, specifically from a business-oriented background, who have been apprehended for engaging in fraudulent activities resulting in substantial financial losses for multiple banking institutions, reaching a magnitude of several billions in local currency.
Upon providing a payment of 15 lakhs, the individuals were quickly transferred to Stanley Hospital subsequent to their complaint of experiencing chest pain. In contrast, it is worth noting that a remand prisoner named S. Arul met his demise due to the exacerbation of his diabetes resulting from the lack of medical attention.
Question on Government’s Principles
According to a senior official from the state jail department, the matter will be duly considered and suitable measures will be implemented. Regrettably, the exposure of such situations is generally a prolonged procedure, with numerous illicit activities remaining concealed.
The pertinent question in front of us is the promise of the DMK government after they came to power. Stalin proclaimed his government would take care of all sections of the society under his governance, based on equality, fraternity, equal opportunity, humanity and social justice. But the reality is strikingly different from the promise he gave to the people. Under the DMK government, corruption is deep-rooted from prison to most ministries.
