Home Minister Recognizes Prison Overcrowding, Promises Reforms and Justice in Kailali Case

 Kathmandu, August 13 – Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has acknowledged that many prisons in Nepal are overcrowded, as inmates often prefer to stay in facilities located in their home districts and resist transfers elsewhere. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, he said the government is committed to turning prisons into true correctional facilities, with plans to establish hospitals, schools, factories, playgrounds, and other necessary infrastructure within prison grounds.

Referring to the August 7 incident at Dhangadhi Prison, Lekhak noted that despite the Prisons Act-2079 BS mandating separate facilities for inmates with special gender or sexual identities, mental health issues, or those convicted of serious crimes, these provisions have not yet been fully implemented.

He updated that the injured were taken to hospitals immediately: two are being treated at the Trauma Centre in Kathmandu, one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), and the body of the deceased has been handed over to the family. The remaining 45 injured have been discharged from Seti Provincial Hospital and transferred to other prisons. Seventeen individuals identified as leaders of the conflicting groups have also been relocated.

The Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving inmate rights, including access to health insurance and other essential services. Addressing questions about former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, he said preparations are underway for Lamichhane’s transfer, adding that he has been provided a separate room despite congested conditions and has not been denied any facilities. Lekhak clarified that this does not constitute special treatment.

He admitted that budget constraints have slowed prison reforms but highlighted that over 7,000 inmates are engaged in productive work, and efforts continue to provide quality health services, psychological counseling, and expand open prison programs. In the past year, more than 2,075 inmates were released on parole.

Finally, Lekhak pledged that legal action will be taken against those responsible for the Kailali prison incident once the investigation report is released, stressing that the entry of weapons into prisons is unacceptable.

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