After a profound experience at the Chanchalaguda Jail, we drove down to a very tiny home in Uppal that housed a few ex-maoists, who were once prisoners themselves, to try and learn a bit from their experiences.
They were incredibly gracious and hospitable, offering us lunch, sharing what little they had. I suppose this was not surprising as one thing I had noticed after entering was; scattered all over their little abode were literally hundreds upon hundreds of books, most concerning communism and socialism.
This was our chance to speak to four ex-cons, who claimed to be wrongly and unfairly convicted, and alleged that most if not all of their crimes on the charge-sheet were fabricated. The four (Mrs. Padma, Ms. Anuradha, Ms. Kranti, and Mr. Krishnamurthy) had been imprisoned in the Hazirbagh Central Jail, Jarkhand Jail, Chattisgarh Central Jail, and the Rajamundry Central Jail respectively, for years ranging between 2 to 8.
A point that they all seemed to universally agree to was that the South Indian jails were comparatively better than their counterparts up in the North. From there, they began to narrate their experiences in these prisons, and honestly, some of the things I heard I’d rather not write as it still causes my heart to pain.
They did however speak about the over-crowded nature of the jails, wherein they literally had no space to move their bodies. Food was also a complaint, with Ms. Anurada beginning to weep, speaking of the inhumane conditions and food she endured.
Yet, these three women stood up for their fellow inmates, reminding the wardens and anyone listening that they were still very much human and were meant to be assured the basic amenities required to live with dignity and respect.
Mrs. Padma told us that despite everything, she was proud to be in prison so that the she could stand up and fight for justice from within. It was a bit eye-opening to hear that most prisoners are in fact, illiterate, and are not aware of their rights.
Mr. Krishnamurthy, who is almost 70, spoke of his unfortunate tryst with the law, once again bringing up the issue of being wrongfully accused and even being produced in court as a 25 year old man. But with a smile, he recounts that the entire staff within the Rajahmundry Central Jail were friendly, respectful and kind with him; providing him with books to read and tea to drink.
Perhaps the oddest thing of our visit was despite the horrors these people endured, they spoke generally with a smile on their face and a laugh never being too far behind. Till this day, they continue their fight for justice and fairness.
I hope the best for them, and for their noble cause, and while I understand full well the nature of life and of prisons, I hope that our institutions become a bastion of hope and of reformation and rehabilitation, and of earned second chances – much like the Chanchalaguda Jail.
A view to see. 