A section of the security wall of Mokokchung District Jail, measuring approximately 110 feet in length and 16 feet in height, collapsed around 4:30 pm on Wednesday, August 27, following incessant rainfall. Officials said the incident occurred suddenly and without warning.
On August 28, around 16–20 jail staff were seen erecting a temporary barrier using aluminum sheets.
Speaking to MT, Jail Superintendent L Bumeng confirmed that the facility currently houses 73 inmates, including 27 who were transferred from Wokha Jail after its wall collapsed on August 16. “Two of the transferred inmates have since been bailed, leaving the present strength at 73,” he said.
Bumeng noted that it was fortunate the wall collapsed only after the prisoners had been locked in for the day. “Had it happened earlier, there could have been escape attempts, posing a serious security risk,” he added.
Personnel from Mokokchung Police and jail staff responded immediately, securing the premises. Additional security has also now been deployed, with 13 NAP IR personnel on night duty to ensure no threat arises.
“In a situation like this, people would actually want us to shift the inmates to another district but I have decided that I will keep the inmates here.
I have full trust on my staffs and also the securities we have,” the superintendent stated.
On the reconstruction timeline, Bumeng said the Director General of Prisons, Renchamo P Kikon, IPS has assured full support and necessary assistance. However, he did not say when the construction would begin.
The Mokokchung District Jail currently holds inmates primarily booked under the NDPS Act and NLTP Act, along with a few convicted of murder and assault, according to the superintendent.