Bhubaneswar, Feb. 18 -- A controversy over the alleged refund of money in place of gold ornaments yesterday at Choudwar Jail in Cuttack district has prompted a formal probe, Odisha Director General (DG) of Prisons Susanta Kumar Nath said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The matter came to light after a woman prisoner, identified as Itishree Mohanty, who had been lodged in the correctional facility in connection with a case, alleged recently that her gold jewellery was not returned following her release on bail a few days ago.

As per standard prison procedures, inmates are required to deposit personal belongings - including ornaments - with jail authorities upon entry, and these must be returned at the time of release. The woman h...