Kataka: Four undertrial prisoners were allegedly beaten with batons by an assistant jailer after he unlawfully opened a prison lock-up late at night at Choudwar Circle Jail in Odisha's Kataka district. The incident has triggered tension inside the jail, with prisoners protesting against the officer and demanding an investigation into the alleged assault.

According to reports, around 25 inmates were lodged in Room No. 46 of Blocks 4 and 5 of the jail. At around midnight recently, three prisoners were allegedly smoking bidis inside the room. The assistant jailer on duty reached the spot with a jamadar and a warder.

After opening the lock-up, the assistant jailer allegedly entered the room and severely beat the three prisoners with a baton. Another inmate sitting nearby and talking to others was also assaulted.

The incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed inside the room. One of the prisoners, who was not smoking, sustained a serious leg injury and was unable to walk. He was admitted to the hospital inside the jail premises the following day.

Tension escalated after the injured prisoner's uncle, who serves as a sardar inside the jail, came to know about the incident. The assistant jailer's conduct has drawn strong opposition from inmates, who have demanded an inquiry. The officer allegedly attempted to pressure the prisoners into settling the matter.

The incident has raised serious questions about the alleged violation of prison procedures. According to the rules, the jail lock-ups are closed at 7 pm and are not supposed to be opened at night once locked.

In an emergency, a lock-up can be opened in the presence of the jail superintendent and the jailer. However, questions have been raised over why the lock-up was opened around midnight and under what circumstances the prisoners were allegedly assaulted.