MAPUSA
In a shocking incident at Colvale Central Jail, an undertrial prisoner attempted to end his life by setting himself on fire on Wednesday morning.
This incident has raised concerns about prison conditions and the mental state of inmates awaiting trial.
According to preliminary reports, the prisoner, Raju Das, was arrested in connection with a rape case and was awaiting trial. The suicide attempt occurred in the morning when he went to the prison dispensary, where he reportedly locked the door from within, isolating himself from guards and other inmates.
Sources indicate that he doused himself with hand sanitiser, a highly flammable liquid, and consumed phenol, a toxic substance. He then attempted to set himself ablaze. The fire quickly spread across his body, causing severe burns before prison authorities intervened.
The quick response from alert prison staff likely saved his life. Upon realising the situation, jail authorities and security guards broke down the locked door and pulled him from the flames, administering first aid before rushing him to North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. He sustained burn injuries covering 40% to 50% of his body.
After initial treatment, he was transferred to Goa Medical College (GMC) for specialised burn care. His condition is critical but stable, according to hospital sources.
The exact reason behind the suicide attempt remains unclear, but sources speculate that he was experiencing severe mental distress linked to his ongoing trial and prison conditions.
The Colvale police have registered a case regarding the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the events that led to the attempt.
