Four inmates have died in Kishanganj District Jail over the past seven months, raising serious concerns about the healthcare facilities within the prison. These deaths, occurring between March and October 2026, have highlighted deficiencies in regular check-ups, mental health monitoring, and emergency medical services.

The latest case involves 24-year-old Anwar Hussain, who was imprisoned on murder charges. He was transferred to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital in Bhagalpur after his health deteriorated, where he subsequently passed away during treatment.

Earlier, in March 2026, 60-year-old Kailash Kamati, an inmate under the prohibition law and suffering from leprosy, died. His family alleged that he did not receive adequate treatment in jail. He succumbed to excessive bleeding while being transported to the hospital.

On June 10, Usha Rani, imprisoned in a dowry harassment case, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the women's ward toilet. Initial information suggested suicide, which raised questions about the monitoring of female inmates' mental health.

Following this, on July 20, 50-year-old Jethali Hasda, incarcerated for an alcohol-related offense, fell ill just hours after being brought to jail. Doctors at the Sadar Hospital declared him dead. The administration attributed his death to a heart attack.

These consecutive deaths have brought into question the initial health screening process for new inmates, identification of serious illnesses, regular medical check-ups, and the provision of immediate treatment in emergencies. Kishanganj DM Naveen Kumar stated that inmates undergo weekly health check-ups, but a thorough review of the jail's health system is now imperative in light of these incidents.