UP Jailer Suspended After Inmate's Release Despite Pending Court Warrant
The Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration has taken decisive action by suspending the jailer of Banda district jail and initiating departmental proceedings against him. This move comes in the wake of a significant controversy surrounding the release of inmate Ravindra Nagar, also known as Ravi Kana, aged 43. The release has sparked a major row as allegations surfaced that Kana was let out of prison despite a pending production warrant, commonly referred to as a B-warrant, issued against him.
Departmental Action and Inquiry
Taking cognizance of this serious lapse, the Prison Department swiftly suspended jailor Vikram Singh Yadav. The suspension and departmental proceedings were based on an inquiry conducted by jail superintendent Anil Kumar Gautam, as detailed in an official statement released by the department. However, in a further escalation of the matter, Director General of Prisons PC Meena has ordered a detailed probe to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Background of the Inmate and Case Details
According to the Prison Department, Ravindra Nagar alias Ravi Kana was arrested in 2024 for his involvement in several cases, including charges under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. He was subsequently transferred from Gautam Budh Nagar jail to Banda jail in August 2024. An official from the department provided additional context, explaining that on January 28, the Banda jail authorities reportedly received a B-warrant. This warrant was in connection with a related case and directed them to produce the accused before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Noida on January 29.
Conflicting Orders and Release
In a twist of events, on the same day, the jail also received release orders for Kana pertaining to all other cases pending against him. The jail official clarified that Kana was being held in the prison solely on the basis of the B-warrant. He was produced before the court through video conferencing as required. Officials claimed that after the virtual hearing, no fresh custody warrant was issued, nor was any date for his next appearance communicated to the prison authorities. Consequently, the prison administration proceeded to release the accused on January 29.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
However, later in the evening of the same day, the Prison Department received the formal judicial warrant for Kana. By this time, he had already been released from jail, leading to the current controversy and subsequent actions. The suspension of the jailer and the initiation of departmental proceedings highlight the administration's commitment to addressing such lapses. The detailed probe ordered by the Director General of Prisons aims to uncover any systemic failures or individual negligence that may have contributed to this incident.
