A 55-year-old man, held as an undertrial prisoner in Nawada district jail, died while receiving medical treatment on Wednesday, sparking allegations of negligence from his family while officials insisted it was a natural death.
Sequence of Events Leading to Death
The deceased has been identified as Manoj Sao, also known as Tuntun Sao. He was a resident of Bazar Teli Tola under the jurisdiction of the Hisua police station. According to police records, Hisua police arrested Manoj from his home on December 21, 2025, in connection with a liquor-related case. He was sent to judicial custody the following day.
The incident took a turn on Tuesday morning. Jail authorities reported that Manoj Sao's health deteriorated suddenly after he bathed in the cold and was changing clothes. He collapsed, prompting the jail administration to rush him to Nawada Sadar Hospital for urgent care.
Medical Examination and Final Hours
At the Sadar Hospital, doctors found his blood pressure to be critically high at 210. Given the severity of his condition, they referred him to the VIMS Pawapuri Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Manoj Sao succumbed during treatment while still in police custody.
Jail Superintendent Brajesh Singh Mehta provided a detailed medical account. He stated that after the prisoner fell ill, he was first admitted to the jail hospital's OPD. The jail physician, Dr. Kumar Rajesh, examined him and recorded vitals showing a blood pressure of 210/110, a pulse rate of 40, and SPO2 levels at 80. As no improvement was seen, he was transferred to the Sadar Hospital and subsequently to Pawapuri.
Family's Allegations and Demand for Probe
The prisoner's death has drawn sharp criticism from his family. Sanju Devi, Manoj's wife, claimed her husband had no prior history of major illness. She received an abrupt call from the jail and hurried to the hospital, only to be informed of his death.
The family has outrightly rejected the jail administration's claim of a natural death. They allege negligence on the part of the jail authorities and have demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. They are also seeking strict action against anyone found responsible.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding medical care and accountability within the prison system, leaving authorities to address the serious allegations raised by the grieving family.
