VIBHA VERMA
PANAJI
A tandoori meal can allegedly cost more than a fine-dining dinner -- only this is no restaurant but Colvale Correctional Home, where the chefs are inmates, the customers are inmates, and the kitchen operates behind the same prison walls.
Official sources familiar with the functioning of the jail have alleged the existence of an informal food economy within its walls, where specially prepared dishes are reportedly cooked and sold at prices that would raise eyebrows even outside a prison.
A tandoori or gravy preparation is allegedly priced at around Rs 7,000, while eight pieces of chicken can cost about Rs 4,000. Fried rice, sources claimed, goes for around Rs 1,000, while a fried or cooked fish piece allegedly changes hands for Rs 500.
The irony is difficult to miss. The regular mess is run by inmates, with food prepared under the supervision of jail personnel assigned to the facility. Yet, sources further alleged, the same premises also support a cash-driven food trade in which inmates can allegedly become cooks, customers and middlemen.
These are not items on the regular prison menu and are cooked for those able to pay a premium. Moreover, the alleged commerce does not stop at cooked food.
Even coriander, sources claimed, has acquired a startling price tag behind the prison walls. A bunch that would ordinarily cost Rs 20-30 is allegedly sold for Rs 500.
“A single kothimbir bunch, which costs anywhere between Rs 20 and Rs 30 or max Rs 40, is sold for Rs 500 from the prison mess. The buyers are inmates and the sellers are also inmates,” another official alleged.
More seriously, sources claimed that vegetables and other provisions purchased for the government-funded mess are allegedly finding their way into this internal market.
Sugar, flour and vegetables supplied as government ration are among the items allegedly being diverted and sold. “If supplies are diverted and a shortage is created, fresh purchases are made from government funds. The question is why the actual shortage is not reflected,” the source alleged.
Food may be only the tip of the iceberg. Sources alleged that privileges inside some cells extend well beyond what is on the plate, with consumer comforts reportedly making their way into the jail as well.
Television sets with connections are allegedly available in some cells, particularly to inmates who can afford them. Sources claimed that Rs 15,000 is allegedly charged to facilitate the entry of a television into the jail, over and above the actual cost of the set.
The money, according to the allegations, is paid by inmates through arrangements with persons allegedly facilitating the entry of unauthorised items.
Jail officials confirmed that such developments have come to their notice, but have remained guarded. Sources said some personnel were reluctant to speak openly, citing fears of departmental action and possible retaliation within the prison. "The CCTV footage will be helpful for the authorities," the official said.
