Lifer commits suicide in Bareilly jail

A convict serving a life sentence in connection with a 2018 acid attack case died by suicide inside a high-security barrack of Central Jail-2 in Bareilly.

The incident occurred late Friday night and has led to strict action by jail authorities, including the suspension of two jail staff members and the initiation of a departmental inquiry against a third.

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The inmate, Ankit (27), was a resident of Gangol, Paratapur in Meerut, and was transferred to the Bareilly jail from Meerut on February 2, 2025. He was among six individuals sentenced to life imprisonment in 2021.

According to the jail administration, Ankit attempted suicide around 1:55 AM on Friday. Jail Warder Praveen Chaudhary and Head Warder Rajendra Singh rushed to the barrack soon after receiving information. However, a short while later, Ankit was found dead in his cell.

Following the incident, senior officials, including Jail Superintendent Vipin Mishra, Jailer Anand Singh, Deputy Jailer Anjuli Verma, and DIG (Jails) Kuntal Kishore, arrived at the scene and conducted a preliminary inquiry on Saturday evening. ASP Shivam Ashutosh Singh also visited the jail.

Responding to the lapses, the DIG (Jails) suspended two jail personnel for negligence in duty. A departmental investigation has also been ordered against another staff member.

Jail authorities reviewed CCTV footage in the presence of the deceased inmate’s family members to ensure transparency. The footage confirmed the timeline of the incident and is being included in the official investigation.

Officials stated that a report has been sent to the prison headquarters, and necessary administrative steps are being taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.