Assam: Undertrial prisoner found dead in Kokrajhar jail, officials suspect suicide

A 47-year-old undertrial prisoner was found dead inside Kokrajhar District Jail early Friday, in what authorities suspect to be a case of suicide by hanging. The incident has raised concerns over inmate safety and jail monitoring systems.

The deceased has been identified as Nakul Mondal, a resident of West Khatalpara village under Basugaon Police Station in Chirang district. His body was discovered inside the jail premises and recovered in the presence of the District Magistrate and police officials. It has been sent for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Mondal had been in custody since April 30 after allegedly attacking his younger brother with a sharp weapon during a dispute over family land. The attack left his brother, Sahadev Mondal, seriously injured. He was arrested by Basugaon Police and later lodged in Kokrajhar Jail as an undertrial in connection with the assault.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and jail officials are likely to face scrutiny over surveillance and mental health protocols for inmates.