As many as 226 inmates across 31 jails in Assam have tested positive for HIV over the past four months, prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order a detailed examination into the circumstances surrounding at least one reported infection in custody.
Sarma said the government had taken the matter seriously and would examine how and under what circumstances the affected inmate contracted HIV while in jail. He also assured that those who tested positive would receive appropriate medical care and treatment.
The issue has also emerged at Sribhumi District Jail, where 11 inmates, including a woman, have tested positive. The jail houses 445 inmates against its sanctioned capacity of 187, resulting in significant overcrowding.
Jail authorities said most of the HIV-positive inmates were facing cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Members of the AIDS Control Committee regularly visit the jail to provide treatment and counselling.
Anwesha Khersha, magistrate in charge of Sribhumi District Jail, said HIV-positive undertrial prisoners were referred to Silchar Medical College for advanced treatment whenever required.
