Rabi Lamichhane, inmates face poor conditions at Rupandehi jail: NHRC
During an inspection of the prison, NHRC representatives found that the inmates face severe shortages in essential amenities.
KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that Rabi Lamichhane, President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party), along with other inmates at Rupandehi Prison, are living in inadequate conditions lacking basic facilities.
During an inspection of the prison, NHRC representatives found that the inmates face severe shortages in essential amenities.
According to NHRC spokesperson Lily Thapa, Lamichhane’s cell does not have an air conditioner, and the windows have been sealed with plywood, preventing proper ventilation. “Because the windows are blocked, air circulation is poor. Inside the cell, there are only two large fans—one typically used in Chinese restaurants and another in party halls,” she stated.
Thapa further reported that the prison is overcrowded, with more inmates than its intended capacity, leading to increased congestion. “There are not enough toilets, and the condition of the existing toilets is also poor,” she added.
While prison authorities justified sealing the windows as a security measure, the Human Rights Commission has recommended reopening them to improve airflow and ventilation.
The NHRC team is preparing a comprehensive report on the overall condition of Rupandehi Prison.
