World's Heaviest Prisoner: It Costs Over Rs 1 Lakh A Day To Care For This 300-kg Inmate
Convicted of drug trafficking, the 300-kg inmate was first held in Vienna's Josefstadt prison but shifted to Korneuburg, 15 km away, after his bed collapsed under his weight
Austria has found itself in the spotlight due to an unusual case that has sparked nationwide debate. A 29-year-old prisoner, weighing nearly 300 kg, is costing the state 10 times more than the upkeep of an average inmate.
His case has drawn sharp criticism from citizens, who question why taxpayers' money is being spent so heavily on someone convicted of drug trafficking.
According to local media, the man was arrested after police seized 45 kg of marijuana, 2 kg of cocaine, about 2 kg of amphetamine, and more than 2,000 ecstasy tablets from his home.
Initially lodged in Vienna's Josefstadt prison, he had to be moved after his bed buckled under his weight. He was then transferred to Korneuburg prison, around 15 km from the capital.
Special arrangements have been made for him, including a custom-welded cot and round-the-clock care by external nurses. Judicial sources revealed his care costs around €1,800 (Rs 1.6 lakh) a day, compared to €180 (Rs 6,000) for a regular prisoner.
The spending has provoked public anger. The newspaper Kronen Zeitung noted that 'when ordinary citizens have to wait months for a doctor's appointment, spending such vast sums on hardened criminals is fuelling resentment." The case has reignited debate in Austria over how public funds should be used for prison care.
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