Kerala jails face disease risks, poor sanitation; 560-capacity prison houses 1,200 inmates, BJP councillor seeks reforms

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 10 (UNI) Alleging alarming overcrowding, lack of adequate drinking water, unhygienic toilets and serious concerns over the management of infectious diseases, BJP Thiruvananthapuram Corporation councillor R Sugathan has called for sweeping reforms in Kerala's prison system, describing the living conditions inside jails as extremely distressing. Sugathan, who was released from Viyyur Central Jail after the Kerala High Court quashed his preventive detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) on October 6, said the government must directly examine the problems faced by inmates and ensure that prisons provide humane living conditions, adequate healthcare and opportunities for rehabilitation.…