Undertrial prisoner ends life by jumping from building in Humnabad jail

BIDAR: A 46-year-old undertrial prisoner, from Gaur village in Basavakalyan taluk died after jumping from a building in the Humnabad jail, allegedly due to harassment by fellow inmates and negligence by jail staff.

Khandappa Mehtre was facing trial in a murder case registered in April 2025, in which his mother, Sundarabai, was the victim. His sisters had filed a case against him at the Hulasoor police station, accusing him of killing their mother.

Khandappa had been lodged in the Humnabad jail for two-and-a-half months. According to reports, he was allegedly harassed by fellow inmates, and despite bringing it to the notice of the jail authorities, no action was taken. Frustrated, Khandappa allegedly climbed a tree and jumped from the building, resulting in his death.

Khandappa’s family has made serious allegations against the jail authorities, stating that his death was a result of negligence and failure to take action despite being informed about the harassment. The family is demanding an investigation into the circumstances leading to his death and action against the jail staff.

They are also seeking to know why the fellow inmates were harassing Khandappa and who was behind it. “The death occurred around 3.30 pm on Sunday, but we were informed only around 9 pm”, said Mahadev Mehtre, a family member. A case has been registered at the Humnabad police station against the jail staff in connection with Khandappa’s death. The family is demanding action against the staff members for negligence.