Upon our arrival at Puzhal Jail at sharp 9:00 AM, we entered the premises in a car provided by the Principal Judge. The car, of course, was duly covered and not on official duty. It is worth noting that the police in-charge present at the entrance did not allow us to enter with our vehicle. Following their instructions, we parked the car outside and patiently waited for other members of our group to join us after having their breakfast.
As we expressed our intention to enter Puzhal I, the security personnel in charge requested us to wait since the concerned officer had not yet arrived. While waiting, we were directed to visit Puzhal II. Little did we know that the check-up process at Puzhal II would be an experience we would never forget. In a closed space, we were subjected to a thorough search, with every inch of our bodies meticulously examined. Some members of our group felt quite uncomfortable with the search conducted by the lady constable, who resorted to physical check. Mr. D, the official in charge, took charge of showing us around. Puzhal II, as we learned, primarily houses accused individuals and undertrial prisoners on remand.
During our tour, the prison staff shared with us the objectives of the punishment theory followed at Puzhal Jail, which emphasizes a reformative approach. The prisoners at Puzhal Jail are placed under the framework of CCC (Custody Care Correction) and RRR (Reformation Rehabilitation Resocialisation).
The prison complex as a whole has a capacity to hold 3,200 prisoners, but as of the current date, it accommodates approximately 1,800 inmates. We discovered that the last block in Puzhal II is specifically designated for first-time offenders, who are segregated from habitual offenders. These individuals are required to participate in daily yoga sessions held between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. It was interesting to note that the food menu at the prison is quite extensive, and the prison kitchen could easily be considered a stepping stone towards a mega kitchen. The variety of vegetables, as well as the ample supply of curd and milk, were particularly noteworthy. The prison administration takes great care in ensuring the nutritional needs of the prisoners are met, and on Sundays, they are provided with non-vegetarian meals.
To beat the heat, we were served refreshing buttermilk infused with onion, coriander, and tadka. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit the prison nursery, where we witnessed the significant efforts put in by the prisoners in cultivating peanut gardens and sugar cane gardens.
En route to Puzhal I, we were provided with a briefing on the safety measures and the importance of sticking together as a group. Puzhal I is dedicated to sentenced convicts, while heinous crime offenders and female prisoners are housed in Puzhal III. The officer in charge carefully examined our letter of authorization before granting us access. Accompanied by the legal aid representative, Ms.P, we were guided through the facility. The officer emphasized the need to stay together to avoid any potential incidents involving disgruntled prisoners shouting slogans or slurs. Our first stop was the training center, which housed various facilities such as an oil mill, weaving mill, tailoring unit, and even an orchestra training program.
During our visit, we had the privilege of witnessing a performance by a talented singer from the Coimbatore jail, who sang the song "Mandram Vandha Thendralukku." This performance left a lasting impact on me, and I will forever associate this song with the memory of the gentle man who was addressed as "bhai" by his fellow inmates. We learned that there were plans to organize orchestra performances as well. It was remarkable to discover that the prison provides campus training and recruitment opportunities for individuals to work as drivers.
Inside the prison premises, we observed the utilization of Zuki tailoring machines, which indicated a significant order received from the government. Continuing our tour, we visited the prison hospital, which featured beds, an X-ray machine, and a scanning center. While it provided basic medical facilities, the prison campus also housed a bakery where individuals worked until 4 PM. They produced a brand of bread called "Freedom" which was supplied to Stanley Hospital and other establishments. We had the opportunity to taste the bread from a shared loaf, and it resembled the quality of milk bread found in local shops.
Notably, some well-behaved inmates were entrusted with the responsibility of running petrol bunk battery shops and tea shops near the jail premises. These establishments were equipped with surveillance cameras and dedicated personnel for monitoring. This approach is considered a commendable form of reformation and resocialization.
To address the mental health of the inmates, a psychiatrist regularly visits the jail campus to conduct counseling sessions. This initiative aims to provide the necessary support and care to address their psychological well-being.
The highlight of our entire visit was the exploration of the gallows. Although it had never been used, the functional setup of the gallows, where prisoners would be hanged, instilled a sense of fear and dread. The walk to the hanging area was harrowing, with a narrow path enclosed by towering walls. The atmosphere resonated with a somber reminder of the consequences of one's actions, provoking deep reflection. Even the faintest whisper echoed significantly in this solemn space.
The women's prison within the facility resembled the other units, but the inmates wore blue sarees instead of white uniforms.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that Puzhal Jail has stringent security measures in place. Escaping from the facility is a formidable challenge as every police vehicle and every sack of grain that enters the premises undergoes thorough examination.
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