Nineteen undertrials remained in Colvale jail despite being granted bail, mainly due to inability to arrange surety, the Goa Human Rights Commission found during its October 13 inspection. GHRC said itwill seek intervention from district judges, stressing that poverty should not obstruct liberty.The panel also flagged a woman undertrial’s complaint of a 45-day delay in receiving prescribed medicines, healthcare staff vacancies, inadequate psychiatric visits, overcrowded cells, damaged or missing mosquito nets and poor sewage conditions. Only one refrigerator served approximately 700 inmates, while prisoners complained of stale eggs and bananas.Recommending timely medication, adequate accommodation, fresh food, improved refrigeration, regular sewage cleaning, safe drinking water and urgent maintenance, the Commission sought an action-taken report from prison authorities and PWD by December 23.
