Kavrepalanchowk prison faces overcrowding

By Kedar Timilsina,Banepa, Aug. 4: The Kavrepalanchwok Prison houses prisoners three and a half times its designated capacity.  A total of 312 prisoners and detainees are housed in a prison designed for just 85 people. 

The prison occupies an area of three ropanis, eight annas and three dams and of the total area, two ropanis, seven annas and three dams are designated for buildings and fencing.

Prison administrator Jeevan Niraula said, "The prison currently houses 312 inmates in a facility meant for just 85 people. The prison faces severe overcrowding and inadequate amenities. 

“The number of prisoners serving time for committing rape is higher,” he said adding, “It now accommodates 118 prisoners, including 34 inmates and 82 detainees convicted of rape.” The facility also houses 42 individuals convicted of murder after rape, 29 for robbery and theft, 18 for vehicle-related deaths and 17 for homicide. 

Additional inmates include those convicted of drug offenses, motorcycle theft, cooperative fraud and various other crimes.

The prison also houses 10 mentally challenged persons, three inmates over 65 years and one foreign national. 

The prison was initially a mental health center until 2052 B.S., but it was later turned into a prison. 

The lack of space and resources has led to numerous problems, including insufficient food and accommodation, lack of entertainment and sports facilities and limited opportunities for skilled work, said Niraula. 

Efforts are being made to address these issues, he said adding, “Cooperation with local authorities and various agencies has resulted in initiatives such as the provision of drinking water tanks, alternative energy sources and the construction of new infrastructure within the prison premises.” Despite these efforts, the conditions of the prison remain awful, underscoring the urgent need for more comprehensive solutions to the problems faced by the prison.