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 six-member fact-finding committee constituted by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) visited Raigarh on Wednesday to investigate the alleged custodial death of undertrial prisoner Sanjay Baghel. The team met the deceased's family members, jail officials, and senior police officers to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the case, which has sparked political and public attention in the district.

The committee, headed by Saraypali MLA Chaturi Nand, was formed by the state Congress leadership to conduct an independent assessment of the incident. Other members include Lailunga MLA Vidyawati Sidar, Bilaigarh MLA Kavita Pranlahare, Pamgarh MLA Sheshraj Harbansh, District Congress Rural President Nagendra Negi, and City Congress President Shakha Yadav.

According to party leaders, the committee's findings will be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Pradesh Congress Committee for further action.

Team Meets Family and Officials

The investigation team first visited the residence of Sanjay Baghel's relatives, where family members narrated their version of events and raised several allegations against the police and jail administration.

Following the interaction, the committee proceeded to the district jail and held discussions with the acting jail superintendent regarding the circumstances leading to Baghel's hospitalization and subsequent death.

Later, members of the panel also met the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to obtain official information and updates on the ongoing inquiry.

District Congress President and committee member Shakha Yadav said the panel would examine all available facts before preparing its final report.

Background of the Case

According to police records, 32-year-old Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Nawapara village, was arrested on June 10 in connection with a liquor-related case.

Officials said Baghel's health deteriorated after his arrest, following which he was admitted to a hospital. He died under suspicious circumstances on June 13 while undergoing treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions from family members, who reached the hospital after receiving news of his death. Tensions briefly escalated as relatives demanded an explanation regarding the circumstances that led to his demise.

Family Alleges Assault

The deceased's relatives have alleged that Baghel was assaulted while in custody, leading to a deterioration in his health and eventually his death.

His father claimed that police had detained two individuals during a social event. According to the family, one of the detainees was allegedly released after money was paid, while Baghel remained in custody because no payment was made. The family reportedly submitted a complaint regarding the matter to senior police authorities.

These allegations have become a key focus of both the official investigation and the Congress committee's inquiry.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following the complaint, the SSP ordered departmental action against two police personnel, who were subsequently attached to the police lines pending further inquiry.

Meanwhile, Kotra Road police released CCTV footage from the police station to support their position. According to police officials, the footage does not show any evidence of physical assault on Baghel while he was in custody.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is still underway and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Officials have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after the completion of the inquiry and review of all available evidence.

Report to Determine Next Steps

The Congress fact-finding team is expected to submit its findings to the state party leadership in the coming days. The report may influence the party's stance on the issue and could lead to further demands for accountability if irregularities are found.

As investigations continue, the case remains under close scrutiny, with both political representatives and law enforcement agencies awaiting the outcome of the ongoing inquiries.