Hunger strike goes kaput

Striking prisoners, who were demanding for reduced sentences, were admitted to hospital for dehydration

Striking prisoners, who were demanding for reduced sentences, were admitted to hospital for dehydration

The fifth day of the hunger strike by the inmates of Bangalore Central Jail took a sudden twist last night.
Three prison trucks transported 30 inmates to Victoria Hospital after they suffered from dehydration.

The inmates, who had gone on a hunger strike so that their sentences would be reduced, ranged from ages of 20 to 54 and were men and women both. Out of the 30 inmates, who were transferred to the hospital, 11 were women prisoners.

According to sources, all 30 inmates are being treated in the C block of Victoria Hospital, which is also the prison ward.

Women prison guards walk towards C Block in Victoria Hospital where the protestors were housed.

"The patients were first brought to the emergency unit before being taken to the prison ward. All of them were severely dehydrated, so we're giving them lots of fluids," said Dr Fazil at 2.40 am.

He added, "They will be kept here for a couple of days until they're stable."

The 30 inmates are under the careful watch of 15 prison guards, 4 of whom are women.

"The 11 female prisoners are being kept separately from the men. They are quite peaceful," said one female prison guard who requested anonymity.

She added, "All they want is their freedom. They're not causing any trouble to the
doctors."

When MiD DAY asked police officials about the protest, one of them said, "We're here to keep an eye on them but there's no leader among them. They just decided to fast. There's no union as such."