Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: As many as 546 inmates of the Sundargarh District Jail launched a hunger strike late Tuesday night, refusing food and water to protest alleged administrative lapses and poor facilities inside the prison. The agitation includes both undertrial prisoners and convicted inmates, making it one of the largest protests reported from the jail in recent times.

According to sources, the inmates have levelled multiple allegations against the newly appointed jail superintendent. They complained of inadequate food supply and claimed that restrictions had been imposed on meeting family members during designated visiting hours. Expressing strong resentment, the prisoners demanded the immediate transfer of the superintendent, holding the officer responsible for their grievances.

The sudden protest prompted swift intervention by the district administration. Security was significantly tightened at the jail, with personnel from the office of the Sundargarh Additional Superintendent of Police, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sundargarh Town Police, and other forces deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

Sub-Collector (Sadar) Tejaswini Behera visited the jail and held discussions with the protesting inmates. Speaking to the media, she said the administration had heard their concerns and would forward them to higher authorities. She added that issues related to visiting hours would be addressed as per guidelines, and judicial officials would also visit the jail to examine the grievances and ensure appropriate action.

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