Tonk jail erupts in midnight protest after inmate’s death during treatment in Jaipur

Tension gripped Tonk district jail in Rajasthan late Wednesday night after an inmate, Ganadev Gurjar, died while undergoing treatment in Jaipur. Angered by the news, fellow prisoners accused the jail administration of negligence and launched a protest, boycotting their evening meal entirely.

What triggered the unrest

Ganadev Gurjar's health had deteriorated on Wednesday, following which he was first taken to a local hospital in Tonk and then referred to Jaipur for better treatment, where he succumbed. As news of his death spread, inmates erupted in anger, raising slogans against the jail administration and creating an uproar late into the night. When efforts by local jail officials to pacify the prisoners failed, the district administration was alerted immediately.

SDM, Tehsildar and CO City rush to the spot

Given the seriousness of the situation, a police team from five police stations, led by the SDM, Tehsildar and CO City, reached the jail. Additional forces were called in from the Reserve Police Lines to strengthen security, while special DST and QRT teams were rushed inside the jail premises to bring the situation under control swiftly.

Calm restored after hours of effort

Senior officials went inside the jail and spoke with the angry inmates. After being assured of a fair investigation and appropriate action, the prisoners calmed down around 1am, and the situation came under control. While peace has since been restored inside the jail, administrative officials avoided speaking to the media about the incident. The prisoner's death and the inmates' fierce protest have raised serious questions over the jail's security and healthcare arrangements.

For context, the 32-year-old undertrial prisoner Ganadev Gurjar, a resident of Panwadera (Chauth Ka Barwara) in Sawai Madhopur district, had been lodged in Tonk jail for the past eight months in connection with an assault and SC-ST Act case. He died while undergoing treatment at SMS Hospital in Jaipur.

According to reports, Ganadev's health worsened on Wednesday morning, after which he was first taken to Sadat Hospital in Tonk before being referred to Jaipur due to his critical condition. Doctors have cited a heart attack as the primary cause of death.

Family accuses jail administration of negligence

Following the incident, the family has levelled serious allegations of negligence against the jail administration, claiming timely medical treatment was not provided. The deceased's brother, Basram Gurjar, said Ganadev had complained of chest pain since Tuesday evening and was not taken to hospital despite suffering through the night. Family members also staged a protest outside the mortuary of SMS Hospital in Jaipur.

The family has demanded the suspension of the jailer and other officials concerned, a judicial inquiry into the entire matter, and a government job along with financial assistance for the deceased's wife. Ganadev is survived by his wife and a three-month-old daughter. Police have said the exact cause of death will only be confirmed once the post-mortem report is received.