Thiruvananthapuram, July 27 -- Kerala's prisons housed 10,271 inmates as of March 31, 2024, far exceeding the sanctioned capacity of around 8,000 and reflecting an overcrowding rate of approximately 128 per cent, which raises serious concerns about the state's correctional infrastructure.
At the Poojappura Central Prison in Thiruvananthapuram, which is designed to hold 727 inmates, the current population stands at around 1,400 -nearly double its capacity.
Similarly, the Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur, with a sanctioned capacity of about 520 inmates, is currently housing approximately 600, translating to around 15 per cent overcapacity, sources said.
In Kozhikode District Jail, a facility meant for 195 inmates now holds over 300, refle...