₹4,000 allegedly charged for every meeting in Mauganj jail:Inmate submits video proof, claims guards threaten families for money

A case of alleged illegal extortion and assault on inmates has surfaced at Mauganj Sub-Jail. After his release, a former prisoner submitted a video as evidence of the alleged recovery to the District Collector and the Jail Superintendent. On Tuesday night, Jail Superintendent suspended a guard, Prakash Singh Baghel. During the suspension period, his headquarters will remain at Anuppur District Jail. Ambarish Dwivedi, a resident of Chitaipurwa village, filed a written complaint with the Mauganj Collector. He alleged that after being lodged in jail on December 16, he was beaten by the guard for nearly two hours. The guard allegedly took his family’s mobile numbers and threatened that he would face further harassment if money was not paid. According to the complaint, nearly ₹40,000 was collected from his family through cash and online transfers. Additionally, ₹1,000 to ₹4,000 was allegedly charged for every prison visit. Dwivedi further alleged that the guard supplied intoxicants to inmates in exchange for money and that the quality of food in the jail was extremely poor. He also claimed that prisoners were intimidated ahead of official inspections. Watch Video Jail Superintendent says guard faced similar allegations earlier A preliminary inquiry into the matter was conducted by the Central Jail Superintendent, which found the allegations to be prima facie true. Following the findings, Jail Superintendent S.K. Upadhyay suspended the accused guard, Prakash Singh Baghel. The Superintendent stated that similar complaints had been made against the guard in the past as well. Prisoner reveals details after release Ambarish Dwivedi, a resident of Rampur Chitaipurwa village, said he was lodged in jail on December 16, 2025, in connection with a case. During his incarceration, he alleged that jail guard Prakash Singh assaulted him for nearly two hours. He further claimed that four to five other inmates were also beaten. According to Dwivedi, the guard then collected the mobile numbers of their family members and allegedly demanded ₹20,000 in exchange for better food, improved facilities and protection from further assault. Under pressure, his sister reportedly transferred ₹20,000 online to the mobile number provided. Guard said matter reached the jailer, further payment demanded A few days later, another demand of ₹20,000 was allegedly made. The guard reportedly told the prisoner that the matter had reached the jailer and payment would have to be made there as well. Subsequently, an additional ₹20,000 was sought from the family in the jailer’s name. Ambarish alleged that whenever his mother and sister visited him in jail, they were charged between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 for each meeting. He also claimed that his family was forced to bring items as demanded by the guard. He further stated that communication was facilitated through a person identified as Baghel, who allegedly collected money multiple times through PhonePe and cash transactions. According to Ambarish, failure to pay resulted in harassment and sustained pressure. Ambarish Trivedi also alleged that guards conducted transactions at a tea stall located outside the jail premises. He claimed that a guard called his family members there to collect money, and another relative secretly recorded a video of the exchange.