Bangladeshi prisoner dies, THRC demands detailed report

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 3, 2024

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has ordered a detailed investigation into the death of Faima Bibi, a 40-year-old female undertrial prisoner from Bangladesh. Bibi passed away at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital after her health declined while she was detained at the Central Correctional Home in Bishalgarh, Sepahijala district. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also been informed of the incident.

Faima Bibi, who was arrested in an area under the jurisdiction of the Airport Police Station in Agartala, was initially treated at the Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital. Her transfer to this hospital was based on the recommendation of the Central Correctional Home’s medical officer. However, her condition worsened, and she was referred to GB Pant Hospital, where she was admitted around 3:30 p.m. on September 30, 2024. Sadly, she passed away that same day.

The deceased prisoner, originally from Morrelganj in Khulna District, Bangladesh, had been in custody as an undertrial prisoner. Given that she died while in custody, the THRC emphasized the importance of investigating the circumstances of her detention and medical care to determine the cause of death. According to the THRC order, it is the commission’s duty to examine any case where an undertrial prisoner dies in custody to ensure clarity on the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it.

The THRC has directed the Inspector General of Prisons to provide a comprehensive report within four weeks. The report should include detailed information on the events that led to Faima Bibi’s death, her initial health screening and medical treatment records during her custody, the inquest and postmortem examination findings, as well as video footage of the postmortem. Additionally, the THRC has requested a chemical analysis of her viscera, a final report on the cause of death based on scientific analysis, and a detailed magisterial inquiry report for the Unnatural Death (UD) case. The THRC has also notified the NHRC, assuring them that the matter is being actively investigated to ensure transparency and accountability in the treatment and circumstances leading to Faima Bibi’s death.