Life-Term Prisoner Passes Away During Hospital Treatment
A 63-year-old convict serving life imprisonment at Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Central Jail in Hazaribag died during treatment at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital on Saturday evening. The deceased, identified as Khemlal Mahto, had been battling multiple health complications for an extended period.
Long-Standing Health Issues and Final Hours
According to Jail Superintendent Chandrashekhar Prasad Suman, Mahto was a resident of Harm village under the Katkamdag police station area. The convict had been serving a life sentence for a case that dated back to 1995-96, spending decades behind bars.
Mahto's health had been deteriorating consistently over time, requiring frequent admissions to the jail hospital. His medical condition remained a concern for prison authorities throughout his incarceration.
Rapid Health Deterioration and Hospital Transfer
The situation took a critical turn on Saturday afternoon when Mahto's health suddenly worsened. Prison authorities immediately arranged for his transfer to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital-cum-Sadar Hospital for advanced medical care.
Despite receiving prompt medical attention at the hospital, doctors declared Mahto dead during treatment in the evening. The exact cause of death hasn't been specified, though officials confirmed his long history of health problems.
Prison Healthcare Under Scrutiny
This incident brings attention to the healthcare facilities available for aging prisoners within the Indian jail system. The case highlights the challenges faced by long-term convicts with chronic health conditions.
Prison authorities have initiated standard procedures following the death, including notifying family members and conducting necessary formalities. The body has been sent for postmortem to determine the precise cause of death.
