Patna: The state govt on Tuesday suspended Beur Central Jail superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jha and head warder Sanjeev Kumar Thakur with immediate effect after a joint raid allegedly uncovered serious irregularities, including claims of an organised extortion racket operating inside the prison. The action followed an unannounced inspection carried out on June 20 by the Prison Inspectorate and the district administration at Beur Central Jail.Jha has been accused of allowing an organised network to function within the jail. Thakur faces allegations of colluding with inmates to facilitate the illegal supply of food items, procuring goods from outside the prison, failing to cooperate with the inquiry team and not wearing the prescribed uniform while on duty.Thakur has been suspended and attached to Mandal Jail, Sasaram. Departmental proceedings will also be initiated against him.During the inspection, inmates allegedly complained that various facilities inside the jail were being provided in exchange for money. According to the allegations, prisoners who paid received favours, while those who did not were shifted to cells.The inquiry also found private messes operating illegally in several wards. Inmates were allegedly using heaters and other equipment to cook food. Essential items were reportedly being sold at inflated prices, including mustard oil at Rs 500 for 800 ml and vegetables at Rs 200 per kg. The jail canteen was also found to be charging above the maximum retail price (MRP) for goods brought from outside.To strengthen prison administration, the prisons and correctional services department has posted Sudhir Kumar Sharma as deputy superintendent. Three assistant jail superintendents — Jyoti Kumari, Rajeev Ranjan and Priyattam Priyadarshi — have also been appointed at Beur Central Jail.
