Kannur: Allegations are coming up that a parallel kitchen is operating in the state central prisons across Kerala for inmates sentenced in politically motivated murder cases. These prisoners are preparing and consuming 'special' food in a special kitchen in addition to the regular food given. They are turning the cells in various blocks or empty spaces on the jail premises to prepare food.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, fish curry is served for lunch in central jails. Rice and curry are distributed together to each block. The fish curry from this is collected and stored. The leftover fish is also gathered. Curry powder, masala powder, salt, onion, tomato, green chilli, and ginger are arranged from the jail kitchen. They use it to prepare a spicy fish curry known as 'idivettu' and eat it.

Dinner is served in central jails at 5 p.m., but many inmates store the food in their cells and eat it only around 8 p.m. It is during this gap that cooking takes place. Secret cooking is done using makeshift stoves made from firewood collected during the day from the jail premises. The necessary utensils are usually available in the cell.

Using washed clothes to hide the camera

Inmates cover the CCTV cameras in the blocks with clothes to prevent the 'special' dishes from being seen. Clothes are hung under the pretense of drying washed laundry. According to former jail inmates, secret cooking setups are mostly found in blocks housing political prisoners.

There are allegations that party members receive special privileges in all matters and that officials are often helpless. It is also alleged that in most central jails, a group of staff act in accordance with the wishes of political prisoners.

A day in prison

The prison cells open at 7 in the morning, where breakfast is served at 7:30. After that, they are released to work on the premises. At 11:30, they return to the cells. After taking rest, at 12:30 lunch is served, followed by a tea break at 3:30. Dinner is served at 5 in the evening. With that, the cell should be locked and the key handed over to the superintendent.