Rajahmundry Jail DIG dismisses Naidu’s health, safety concerns

RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rajahmahendravaram Central Prison M Ravi Kiran has dismissed the false propaganda of TDP president and former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ‘s health deteriorating in the jail. Contrary to the claims, Naidu’s weight saw an uptick in jail as per National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) records, he added.

Ravi Kiran addressed a press conference in prison on Friday and dismissed allegations made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) concerning the health and security of Chandrababu Naidu as baseless. Allaying TDP’s concerns about Naidu's well-being and the conditions of his confinement, the DIG assured that Naidu was being provided adequate facilities and he was keeping well. “There is no reason for anyone to worry about the sanitary conditions of the prison cell and his security as the Jail administration is following all required provisions to ensure his safety,” he said.

Referring to the medication management, Ravi Kiran said Naidu brought his own medicines with him on the day he was admitted to Rajamahendravaram prison, and those medications were being closely monitored by the jail's medical officers to ensure the latter received the necessary treatment. According to records from NHRC, ‘Naidu weighed 66 kilograms when he entered the prison. Over the course of his imprisonment, he gained his weight to approximately 68.7 kg. As of the most recent measurement, he weighed 67 kilograms, still one kilogram more than his initial weight, the DIG said.

On health monitoring, Ravi Kiran said that the jail authorities were taking extensive precautions regarding Naidu's health. They were conducting vital sign checks three times daily, thus dispelling rumors of significant weight loss. Referring to the Dehydration complaint, he said that two days ago, Naidu complained of slight dehydration. In response, the jail authorities promptly provided him with oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and closely monitored his fluid intake to ensure he consumed a sufficient amount of liquids as recommended by jail doctors, he added.

The DIG said that Naidu reported a skin allergy, the prison authorities sought the assistance of the Superintendent of the Government General Hospital (GGH). An expert team from GGH visited the prison and provided the necessary medicines based on their advice. To allay concerns about Naidu's safety, Ravi Kiran also said that the jail authorities had implemented stringent security measures.

“Naidu, as a high-profile prisoner, is under continuous surveillance, with a head warden and six wardens stationed at the SNEHA Block exclusively allocated to him. A Jailer has been appointed to comprehensively inspect the food and other items brought to Naidu, ensuring both his safety and security during the mulaqaat facility. We are also ensuring that no other prisoner or guard ventures beyond the designated area when Naidu leaves his barrack (SNEHA Block) to the jail's main gate until he returns back,” Ravi Kiran said.