Cuddalore Central Prison is located in Cuddalore, India. The prison was built during 1865 and initially used for housing mentally challenged people. It was converted into a prison for habitual offenders in 1986. The poet Subramanya Bharathi was confined in this prison during the freedom struggle from 20 September 1918 to 14 December 1918. The prison is authorised to accommodate 723 prisoners. It is first jail in Tamil Nadu. It is managed by the Tamil Nadu Prison Department, it offers rehabilitation programs but faces challenges like overcrowding and security issues Tamil Nadu Prison.

History

The Cuddalore Central Prison was constructed in 1865 under British commander ''Francis Caper'', for the control and segregation Cuddalore District. Initially, the prison housed mentally challenged individuals and habitual thieves, aligning with British classification practices. In 1986, it was repurposed for regular criminals, and by 1996, it held serious offenders, adapting to India's evolving penal system. Subramania Bharati, Subramanya Bharathi's 25-day imprisonment in 1918 for his nationalist activities marks a key historical event, with his cottage preserved as a museum. The prison's role in detaining List of Indian independence activists, freedom fighters underscores its significance in Indian independence movement, India's independence movement. The British built the prison on Caper Hills for strategic isolation, ensuring security through its elevated location. History of India (1947–present), Post-independence, the prison adapted to modern needs, reflecting Tamil Nadu's efforts to balance punishment with rehabilitation. The shift in 1986 and 1996 allowed it to accommodate a broader range of inmates, aligning with national prison reforms Prisons in India. The preservation of Bharathi's cottage, opened as a museum in 2009, highlights the prison's historical legacy. This museum, visited by Director general of police, Director General of Police R. Nataraj, showcases Bharathi's contributions and the prison's role in colonial history.

Architecture and Facilities

Cuddalore Central Prison spans around 177.97 acres, it includes 12 blocks, or "giant squads", each on 1-2 acres land, with five for men and one for women. The prison's capacity is 723 inmates, but it currently holds over 700, indicating overcrowding. Facilities include a library with books and newspapers, vocational training in agriculture, horticulture, and carpentry, and medical services with regular doctor visits. A Free Legal Assistance Center operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, aiding inmates with legal matters Cuddalore District. The prison collaborates with organizations like Lions Club for inmate children's education. Despite these efforts, overcrowding strains resources, a common issue in Indian prisons, with Tamil Nadu reporting 130% occupancy in 2022.

References

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External links

Tamil Nadu Prison Department
Prisons in Tamil Nadu Cuddalore Buildings and structures completed in 1865 1986 establishments in Tamil Nadu