THRISSUR: The state’s first high security prison, with a dedicated block for housing transgenders, commenced operation at Viyyur Central Jail premises on Saturday, inaugurated by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
The three storey high security prison building has been constructed to incorporate a verandah of 300 metre circumference, an extensive courtyard and state of the art surveillance and security facilities. A fund of almost 26 crores has been spent for its construction.
“We have set up biometric identification for the guards, an e beat system, secure double locks, complete CCTV coverage and tele-conferencing facilities for the prisoners. Medical facilities will be available within the prison itself. The whole purpose is to ensure to make prisoner transport minimal,” said Anilkumar, special officer in charge of the high security prison.
The high security prison will used for incarcerating those remanded under Goonda Act, murder cases and for those under NIA investigation or terrorism related activities.
The high security prison under construction at Viyyur will have a dedicated block for housing transgenders. The block set apart for the transgenders in the high security prison will be inaccessible to other prisoners.
“Their human rights must be protected, and they have been officially recognized as the third gender. Such a move to set up dedicated facilities will give them the impetus to come forward and identify themselves,” said Anilkumar.