Chanchalguda jail has nearly 252 women prisoners. The number of Muslim women prisoners is 42. Jail superintendent Basheera Begum who is serving here since 2011 told that there are many women in the jail who are permitted to stay with their young children. It must be noted that Supreme Court allows women prisoners to keep their children below 6 years of age along with them. A teacher also teaches the children of the women prisoners who stay with them.
Basheera Begum also revealed that 42 Muslim women prisoners observe fast during Ramadan. The jail authorities arrange Iftar and Sahr for them. A vast hall in the jail is allotted for Muslim women prisoners to pray and meditate, where copies of Quran in all languages have been kept. The hall is also used for 5 times prayers.
Iftar arrangements are made by Dawat-e-Islami and Jamat-e-Islami while fresh food is provided by jail authorities at the time of Sahr. Women prisoners are also provided vocational training in the jail. After the completion of training they are given wages of Rs. 70/- per day. The wages are deposited in their bank account. Women prisoners send their earnings to their family.
Abu Aimal