Her Mercy Everywhere: Convicts pool-in funds to organise Durga Puja

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Convicts pool-in funds to organise Durga Puja

 

Sujoyendra Singh Roy

KRISHNAGAR, Oct. 7: For the first time in its history, inmates of

Krishnagar District correctional home have organised Durga Puja.

The prisoners saved money for the past few months to organise the puja

after getting necessary permission from IG, Jail.

Presently there are approximately 1,200 prisoners in the correctional

home ~ most of them are undertrails.

The prisoners had approached IG prison Mr BD Sharma in August. The

proposal was turned down as they did not mention who would bear the

expense.

On being refused the prisoners discussed the matter among themselves

and decided to bear the cost on their own. Those with " rigorous

imprisonment " also helped in funding from their payments.

A makeshift stage has been set up in the recreation room where the

idol has been placed on a pedestal. The puja is being conducted by

Sona Mazumder, a prisoner. All the prisoners irrespective of religion

attend the puja and will come together for the grand feast.

Mr Dulal Biswas, secretary of the puja committee, said they decided to

organise the puja as many of them had not seen a puja for a long time.

The decision was taken after everyone agreed to cooperate. Krishnagar

district correctional home super, Mr Nabin Kumar Saha said he had also

joined the puja.