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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
With 30k capacity, MP jails housing 14k excess inmates
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh jails are currently facing a 50% overcrowding crisis. With a total capacity of 30,764 inmates, the jails are housing an excess of 14,820 prisoners. The state has 133 jails, including central jails, district jails, sub-jails, and open jails. The issue of overcrowding was raised during the recent monsoon session of the state assembly by BJP MLA Ashish Govind Sharma, who inquired about the total number of operational jails in the state, their capacity across various categories, and the current prisoner count. He also questioned whether prison staff receive training to provide immediate treatment for prisoners suffering from serious illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes, given that delays often occur due to procedural formalities before hospital transfer. The chief minister, who oversees the jail department along with home and other departments, responded in writing on Aug 5. As of June 30, 2025, Madhya Pradesh has 133 operational jails: 11 central, 41 district, 73 sub-jails, and eight open jails. The total inmate capacity stands at 30,764, but currently, the number of inmates exceeds this by 14,820. The response highlighted that sanctioned posts for doctors and paramedical staff are mostly filled in central and district jails. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo These medical personnel are equipped with devices for blood pressure and diabetes testing, making immediate testing available in these jails. Sub-jails with paramedical staff also have similar arrangements. In jails lacking such facilities, inmates receive urgent medical care if needed. Furthermore, jail staff and guards receive regular training in first aid and basic medical assessments. Officials also noted measures for managing overcrowding, including releasing prisoners on parole, providing financial assistance for those who can be released by paying nominal fines, and ensuring no prisoner remains incarcerated after serving their sentence. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
New Indian Express
06-08-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MP's anti-conversion law sees 58% acquittals, only seven convictions in five years
BHOPAL: More acquittals and less convictions have marked the first five years of Madhya Pradesh's stringent anti-religious conversion law – which is often dubbed as the 'anti-Love Jihad' law of the BJP-ruled central Indian state. The Dr Mohan Yadav-led government provided in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, the detailed data related to cases which were registered between January 1, 2020 and July 15, 2025 under the MP Freedom of Religion Ordinance 2020 and its successor MP Freedom of Religion Act 2021. According to the data shared as part of the written reply to the third-time BJP MLA from Khategaon (Dewas) seat Ashish Govind Sharma, as many as 283 cases were registered under various provisions of the anti-religious conversion law and ordinance in the first five and half years (January 1, 2020 and July 15, 2025) across MP. While 197 or 70% of the registered 283 cases are under trial in different courts, in as many as 86 or 30% cases, the accused have either been acquitted, convicted or the police investigations are still underway. In out of those 86 cases, the accused have been acquitted in 50 cases or 58% of those cases, while the accused have been convicted and awarded punishments by courts in just seven cases, which is merely seven percent of the 86 cases. In one case registered in state capital Bhopal, the case ended following the 'Razinaamaa' agreement between both sides.
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
283 ‘love jihad' cases lodged in MP since 2020, assembly told
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has recorded 283 cases of alleged "love jihad" between Jan 2020 and July 15 this year, with 71 of them involving minor girls, the state assembly was informed on Tuesday. The data, tabled in response to a question by BJP MLA Ashish Govind Sharma, revealed that these cases were registered under provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, and Indore and Bhopal topped in such cases in the state. "How many cases of love jihad have come into cognisance in MP since 2020?" Sharma asked CM Mohan Yadav, who holds the home portfolio. "Out of these, in how many incidents have reports been registered in police stations? How many of these cases involved boys and girls under 18 years? How many cases are ongoing in courts?" Sharma asked in his written query. Responding to the questions, the CM stated that the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, which came into force on Mar 27, 2021, empowers the state to act against coercive or deceitful religious conversions, particularly those targeting vulnerable women and girls. To strengthen enforcement, a state-level special investigation team was established by the police headquarters on May 4 to probe such incidents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prepare for the Surcharge Change [Read Now] Tyro Payments Learn More Undo In the total 283 cases reported in different police stations of the state, 197 cases are in courts. In the district-wise classification of cases, Indore reported the highest number of 74 cases registered under Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021. Second was Bhopal with 33 cases. The two major cities accounted for 40 per cent of the total cases in the state. The other cities with double-digit numbers included Khandwa (12), Ujjain (12) while Chhatarpur witnessed 11 cases under the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021. Under the Act, convicts can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to Rs 1 lakh. The law covers mass conversions as well. Under it, anyone wishing to convert must submit a declaration, 60 days prior to the district magistrate. Any religious priest, who intends to organise rituals of conversion, shall also inform the collector 60 days in advance.
