Escalation of Violence in Nepal's Prisons Highlights Systemic Failures
A violent clash between rival groups inside the overcrowded Kailali District Prison on Friday night resulted in one inmate's death and 44 others being injured. This incident has exposed deep-rooted issues within Nepal’s prison system, which continues to suffer from political interference, corruption, and inefficient management.
The victim, Bharat Chaudhary from Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-4, succumbed to his injuries at Seti Provincial Hospital on Saturday. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment, while law enforcement has taken measures to restore order. Deputy Superintendent Raj Kumar Singh, who also serves as the spokesperson for Kailali Police, confirmed that the situation has been brought under control. He stated that 50 police personnel have been deployed inside the prison to maintain normalcy. Additionally, relatives of the inmates have been allowed to visit, with authorities managing these interactions.
This is not the first such incident in the region. Two months prior, an inmate named Harish Singh Pali died in the same prison after being jailed for 10 days on charges of banking fraud. His family alleged that he was tortured and refused to accept his body. However, Nepal Police denied any wrongdoing.
In recent weeks, similar clashes have occurred in other prisons across the country. A week ago, a conflict at Bardiya Prison left several inmates injured, including the prison-appointed leader. In July, a confrontation broke out in Siraha District Prison when one group began extorting money from others, leading to the injury of 13 inmates. These incidents highlight a recurring pattern of violence in Nepal’s prisons.
Political Influence and Corruption in Prison Management
Former police officers and officials point to political pressure as a major factor in the failure to prevent such incidents. They argue that if certain inmates pose a threat to the stability of the prison, they should be identified and transferred. However, this is often not done due to the influence of powerful individuals within the system.
Hemanta Malla, a former DIG of Nepal Police, noted that influential inmates engage in various illegal activities, including operating the prison canteen and participating in financial dealings. When one group profits from these activities, it often leads to resentment and subsequent violence.
Malla also criticized the concept of “prison leaders,” stating that these individuals are often involved in dubious activities and contribute to the frequent clashes. According to him, the selection of such leaders is based on their ability to manage daily affairs rather than their moral standing.
Overcrowding and Infrastructure Deficiencies
Overcrowding remains a critical issue in Nepal’s prisons. Built to hold around 16,000 inmates, the system now houses nearly 30,000 prisoners, far exceeding its capacity. This has led to severe infrastructure challenges, with facilities operating at two to five times their intended capacity.
Kailali Prison, where the latest clash occurred, was designed to hold 150 inmates but currently houses 680. Similar conditions exist in other prisons, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, where overcrowding has reached catastrophic levels.
Former home secretary Umesh Mainali attributed the recurring violence to factors such as drug and alcohol abuse among inmates, as well as inadequate infrastructure. He pointed out that authorities often select leaders from among inmates engaged in questionable activities to manage day-to-day operations. These individuals, he argued, are responsible for most of the clashes.
Nepal Police Spokesperson Binod Ghimire acknowledged that overcrowding contributes to conflicts among inmates. He stated that people with criminal tendencies tend to fight when kept in close proximity. However, he defended the need for prison leaders, arguing that they help provide necessary supplies and act as a liaison between inmates and authorities.
Ghimire emphasized that such a system exists globally, suggesting that it is a standard practice in many countries. However, critics argue that the current structure in Nepal has failed to address the root causes of violence and corruption within the prison system.