Ashok Kumar Had Attempted Suicide in Ghagidih Jail Days Before Hospital Leap
Key Points:
- Undertrial prisoner Ashok Kumar jumps from MGM Hospital, dies on spot
- He had slit his throat at Ghagidih Central Jail the previous Sunday
- Security lapse under scrutiny; body sent for post-mortem
JAMSHEDPUR – A prisoner undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital jumped from the building on Friday and died on the spot, raising serious questions about security arrangements for inmates admitted to the facility.
The deceased has been identified as Ashok Kumar. He had been admitted to MGM Hospital in critical condition after he had attempted to slit his throat inside Ghagidih Central Jail the previous Sunday.
During treatment on Friday, he evaded his security guards and jumped from the seventh floor of the hospital building. He died on the spot.
Hospital administration and police reached the scene immediately after being informed. An investigation into the entire matter has been launched.
A source at the hospital said that Ashok Kumar had arrived with a throat injury sustained on Sunday. Treatment had been under way and preparations were being made to transfer him to Ranchi for further care. However, he suddenly gave his security the slip and jumped from the seventh floor, dying instantly.
The incident has triggered sharp questions about the level of surveillance maintained over the prisoner. He had already made one suicide attempt inside jail, yet adequate precautions appear to have not been in place at the hospital.
Police are currently investigating the exact nature of the security lapse. An inquiry into the administrative failure is also likely to be ordered. The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem.
