Growing Up In Indian Prisons: Children Of Undertrials And A Case Of Widespread Neglect

By M H AHSSAN | INNLIVE

While a debate is raging on trying juveniles as adults in serious crimes, there are hundreds of children who spend years in prison for no fault of their own.

As the lone tap fills the cracked cement tank, green algae float to the surface of the water. Munna (name changed to protect identity) splashes around in the tank, while women gather to fill small jugs with water that will later be used for both washing and drinking. Munna is three years old, and his life revolves around the sludgy water games and women in the enclosure of the Belgaum Central Prison in Karnataka.