Guwahati | As many as 226 inmates across 31 jails in Assam have tested positive for HIV over the past four months, prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order a detailed examination into the circumstances surrounding reported infections among prisoners.

Sarma said the state government had taken the matter seriously and would examine how and under what circumstances at least one affected inmate contracted HIV while in jail. He also assured that those who have tested positive would receive appropriate medical care and treatment.

“I have also been informed that one person has been identified as HIV-positive. We have taken the matter seriously, and I believe the Gauhati High Court is also seized of the issue,” the chief minister said when asked about reports of HIV-positive cases among inmates and whether additional testing would be conducted in prisons.

He said the circumstances surrounding the reported infection would be examined in detail.

The issue has also come into focus at Sribhumi District Jail, where 11 inmates, including a woman prisoner, have tested positive for HIV. The facility currently houses 445 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of 187, highlighting severe overcrowding.

According to jail authorities, most of the HIV-positive inmates are facing cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Members of the AIDS Control Committee regularly visit the jail to provide medical treatment and counselling to inmates who have tested positive.

Anwesha Khersha, the magistrate in charge of Sribhumi District Jail, said HIV-positive undertrial prisoners are referred to Silchar Medical College for advanced treatment whenever necessary.

The reported cases have raised concerns over health screening, overcrowding and access to medical care in Assam’s prisons. The government’s proposed examination is expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the infections and measures required to strengthen health monitoring and treatment facilities for inmates.