Odisha Jail Authorities Compensate Woman Rs 1.9 Lakh for Missing Gold Ornaments
In a significant development from Cuttack, the superintendent of Choudwar jail has handed over Rs 1.9 lakh in cash to a woman who alleged that her gold ornaments were not returned after her release from judicial custody. The incident highlights concerns over property management in correctional facilities.
Details of the Allegation and Initial Complaint
Itishree Mohanty, a 32-year-old resident of Sukleswar village under Mahanga police limits, was lodged in Choudwar jail on September 23, 2025. Upon admission, she deposited her personal gold ornaments with the jail authorities, which included:
- A pair of earrings weighing 6 grams
- An 8-gram gold ring
- A gold nose pin
Mohanty was released from judicial custody on December 23, 2025. However, when she sought the return of her belongings, jail authorities allegedly informed her that no gold ornaments were recorded under her name in the official registers.
Despite repeated follow-ups over nearly two months, the items were neither traced nor returned to her. Frustrated by the lack of resolution, Mohanty lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) with the Mahanga police on February 8, 2026, detailing her ordeal.
Police Investigation and Jail's Response
Based on her written complaint, the Mahanga police registered a case and assigned Sub-Inspector Sidharth Ranjan to investigate the matter. The ongoing probe involves a thorough verification of jail property registers and all related documentation to ascertain the facts.
In a surprising turn of events, Jail Superintendent Sujit Kumar Raula personally handed over Rs 1.9 lakh in cash to Mohanty on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether this amount corresponds to the assessed market value of the missing gold ornaments, as authorities have not provided official confirmation on the valuation process.
Mohanty expressed mixed emotions about the compensation, stating, "I had to run from pillar to post for nearly two months after my release. After much struggle and repeated requests, I finally got money instead of my gold." Her statement underscores the personal hardship faced during the prolonged dispute.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Statements
Police officials have emphasized that the investigation is still active and comprehensive. An officer involved in the case remarked, "We are verifying all aspects of the complaint as well as subsequent developments to ensure a fair outcome." The authorities are examining procedural lapses and accountability within the jail's property management system.
Jail Superintendent Sujit Kumar Raula was not available for comment regarding the payment or the circumstances leading to the loss of the ornaments. The lack of an official explanation has raised questions about transparency and oversight in handling inmates' personal belongings.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident sheds light on systemic issues within judicial custody facilities, where inmates' property rights can be compromised. The case has sparked discussions about the need for stricter protocols and digital tracking of deposited items to prevent similar occurrences.
Local residents and legal experts are closely monitoring the investigation's progress, as it may set a precedent for how such disputes are resolved in the future. The compensation, while providing some relief to Mohanty, does not fully address the emotional distress and procedural failures involved.
As the probe continues, authorities are expected to review and potentially reform property management practices in jails across Odisha to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals in custody.
