PANAJI
While escape attempts may have seemingly reduced, the internal conflict at the State-run Apna Ghar continues unchecked. Whether among the inmates or confrontations with the staff, the turmoil has been giving officials a headache and what’s added to their woes is the alleged presence of narcotics.
How these substances are allegedly smuggled into the facility remains a mystery until a formal inquiry is ordered that could shed light on the clandestine channels of supply.
The Goan has received credible information that inmate boys, if not all, placed under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Board and housed in Apna Ghar, allegedly have direct access to the banned substance. This alarming expose prompted the staff to send an official communication to the higher authorities, seeking urgent intervention.
Moreover, members conducting routine hearings have found themselves at the receiving end of such aggressiveness.
This very year, over half a dozen violent clashes have already been officially reported to the concerned including the local police. Sources have also confirmed that in minimum three incidents, attacks on some staff led to their hospitalisation.
“It has come to the knowledge that a recent episode of violent altercation transpired within the institution on January 10, 2024. Furthermore, reports suggest a disturbing trend of drug proliferation and consumption among the juveniles under the care of the Juvenile Justice Board at Apna Ghar,” an official disclosed to The Goan.
Sources said while all the concerned officials are purportedly in the know of the prevailing issue, barely any action is taken. Not the staff alone, but a woman advocate was recently threatened by one of the inmates, of dire consequences.
“The concerned officials recommended the inmate’s assessment at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour but that isn’t helping, because until the lives of the staff are in danger. Such inmates should be admitted for proper mental treatment,” the source revealed, adding the staff are demanding immediate intervention from the Department of Women & Child Development or police protection. Whether the violent incidents are a result of the presence of banned substances should also be probed, a staff demanded.
