Howrah : The family of an undertrial prisoner who died after falling ill at Howrah District Correctional Home has alleged that inmates forced him to consume a poisonous substance after he failed to pay extortion money.
Hospital doctors, however, said Prasenjit Ghosh (41) died of liver cirrhosis caused by excessive intoxication. Prasenjit, a resident of Mir Para in Liluah, was arrested on Aug 5 in connection with a firing at a liquor and gambling den in Myanmar Colony, Liluah. District and police administrations have assured his family that the allegations will be examined and appropriate action taken. A judge later remanded him in judicial custody. She also alleged that jail authorities delayed providing treatment after he became ill.
His mother, Sudha Devi, lodged a police complaint on Tuesday alleging that some inmates had demanded money from her son and forced him to consume a poisonous substance when he could not pay.
District administration officials met them and assured them that their allegations would be examined, according to family sources. His condition subsequently worsened, and he was shifted to the intensive care unit before his death. Family members have sought a neutral investigation.
The family was informed on Saturday afternoon that Prasenjit was seriously ill and had been admitted to Howrah District Hospital.