A life convict serving a sentence in a double murder case allegedly died by suicide after jumping into a burning gasifier furnace inside Bilaspur Central Jail on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns over prison safety and inmate welfare. The incident comes amid a series of inmate deaths at the jail, with five prisoners having died within the past month.

The deceased has been identified as Rahul alias Vikesh Kanwar (46), a resident of Bamhnidih in Janjgir-Champa district. He had been lodged in Bilaspur Central Jail for the past ten years after being convicted in a double murder case.

Senior district officials, including Collector Sanjay Agrawal and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh, visited the prison following the incident. A forensic team and police officials have begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the inmate's death.

Convict Jumped into Operational Furnace

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred inside the jail's gasifier plant, where wood is converted into gas used for cooking meals for inmates in the prison kitchen.

Officials said the furnace was operational when Rahul allegedly reached the facility and suddenly jumped into the burning chamber. Jail personnel attempted to rescue him, but the intense heat prevented immediate intervention, and he died at the scene.

The incident triggered panic inside the prison premises as officials rushed to secure the area.

Investigation Underway

District authorities inspected the scene soon after receiving information about the incident.

Collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed that the deceased was serving a life sentence in a double murder case and had remained in prison for nearly a decade. He said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated and that all aspects of the case will be examined.

Forensic experts have collected evidence from the gasifier unit, while police are recording statements of jail staff and inmates who may have witnessed the incident.

Fifth Inmate Death in One Month

The latest death has intensified scrutiny of Bilaspur Central Jail, where multiple inmate deaths have been reported over the past few weeks.

On June 23, an undertrial booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, identified as Neelu Jagat, was allegedly murdered inside the jail.

In another incident, Ram Bharose Majhi, a life convict from Raigarh district, died after his health deteriorated while in custody.

Two other inmates, identified as Raju Gond of Gatora and Dharmendra Singh, also died inside the prison during the same period.

The succession of deaths has prompted questions about prison administration, inmate supervision and medical care inside one of Chhattisgarh's largest correctional facilities.

Prison Management Faces Fresh Questions

Bilaspur Central Jail has previously faced criticism over several security-related incidents, including inmate clashes, suspicious deaths, recovery of mobile phones, seizure of prohibited substances and alleged lapses in prison surveillance.

The latest incident has once again brought attention to security arrangements inside the prison, particularly regarding access to operational industrial equipment such as the gasifier plant.

Officials have not yet clarified how the inmate reached the restricted area or whether additional safety protocols were in place at the time of the incident.

Authorities Await Detailed Findings

Police officials said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the forensic examination.

Authorities are also expected to review CCTV footage, question prison personnel and examine the prison's standard operating procedures to determine whether any negligence contributed to the incident.

The death has renewed concerns over inmate safety, prison management practices and the need for enhanced monitoring inside correctional institutions, especially in light of the multiple custodial deaths reported over the past month.

A 33-year-old undertrial prisoner lodged in Jagdalpur Central Jail died during treatment after reportedly sustaining a severe head injury in an accident inside the prison premises. Jail and police authorities have initiated the required legal procedures and an investigation into the incident is underway.

According to preliminary information, the deceased inmate, identified as Ramesh Kunjam, was a resident of Lingapur village in Bijapur district's Usur area. He was lodged in jail in connection with a case related to Naxal activities and had been shifted from Dantewada Jail to Jagdalpur Central Jail in November 2025.

Officials said the incident occurred late at night when the inmate reportedly went to the prison bathroom. While returning, he allegedly slipped and fell, suffering a serious injury to his head.

The impact reportedly caused heavy bleeding, prompting immediate intervention by prison staff and fellow inmates. Security personnel on duty arranged for his transfer to the Government Medical College Hospital at Dimrapal for emergency treatment.

Serious Head Injury

Hospital sources indicated that Kunjam was admitted in critical condition and placed under intensive medical supervision. Doctors reportedly shifted him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to the severity of his injuries.

Despite medical efforts, his condition continued to deteriorate. Officials confirmed that he died during treatment on the morning of June 5.

Following the death, police and jail authorities informed the concerned agencies and initiated procedural action as required under law.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Statements from prison personnel and other inmates are also expected to form part of the inquiry.

Officials said the circumstances surrounding the fall are being examined and a detailed report will be prepared after completion of the investigation.

Police have stated that all legal formalities are being followed and further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.

Second Death in a Week

The latest incident marks the second inmate death reported from Jagdalpur Central Jail within a span of one week.

Earlier, a female prisoner lodged in the jail died in an alleged suicide case. According to preliminary findings in that matter, the woman was facing charges in a murder case and was reportedly experiencing mental distress before her death. Authorities had launched a separate investigation into that incident as well.

Focus on Prison Safety

The consecutive deaths have brought attention to inmate welfare, medical response systems, and safety measures within correctional facilities. Prison authorities are expected to review existing protocols and submit reports regarding both incidents.

Officials maintain that the latest case appears to be an accidental fall, but the final conclusion will depend on medical and investigative findings.