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Ex‐Maoist Inmate Dies by Hanging at Hazaribagh Open Jail

The death has prompted an NHRC inquiry into the facility’s lack of regular psychological counselling.

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Overview

  • Chhota Shyamlal Dehri was discovered hanging in his allotted cottage during the May 31 morning headcount after guards forced entry when he failed to respond.
  • He surrendered on April 22, 2020, following a land dispute, was transferred to Hazaribagh Open Jail on February 9, 2021, and faced trial in eight Naxal-related criminal cases.
  • Officials noted no prior signs of mental illness, though a fellow inmate said Dehri had expressed stress over unresolved land claims.
  • An Unnatural Death case has been registered at Lohsinghana police station and the National Human Rights Commission has been notified for further investigation.
  • Dehri’s death underscores the open jail’s rehabilitative shortcomings, especially its absence of institutionalised psychological support amid a recent surge of jail suicides in Jharkhand.