JODHPUR, Aug. 22 -- The state high court on Thursday ordered the state government to pay a compensation of Rs.25 lakh to the family of an undertrial prisoner who died in Jodhpur's Central Jail in July 2025. It also ordered a probe to clear up the circumstances of his death. The prisoner, identified as Rooparam, died on July 2. The court was hearing a plea by his wife Lila, which alleged that the probe into his death was not being conducted in an impartial and effective manner. The bench of Justice Farjand Ali noted that Rooparam's post-mortem report revealed multiple injuries, including incised wounds and contusions on his body. The bench also noted CCTV footage that showed grossly inadequate jail facilities and indicated a delay in medical assistance and "The constitutional promise of life and dignity must remain meaningful even for those whose liberty has been curtailed by law," the bench observed. The judicial inquiry, which was entrusted to the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (CBI Cases), Jodhpur, concluded that Rooparam did not die a natural death and also noted inconsistencies in witness statements, with some former inmates alleging that an influential inmate, known as Dada had "taught a lesson" to Rooparam over non-payment of money. The bench personally examined CCTV footage from the jail for nearly two hours. It observed that at 8.37am on July 2, Rooparam was brought to the dispensary in a critical condition by fellow prisoners. However, no medical staff or doctor was present until 8:54 AM. "Had prompt and adequate medical assistance been made available at the relevant time, there existed a reasonable possibility of preventing the unfortunate demise," the bench said. The court also noted grossly inadequate lavatory facilities, improper drinking water supply, and insufficient CCTV surveillance in the jail. The bench directed the director general of police to ensure the registration of an FIR within 48 hours and entrust the probe only to an officer of RPS rank and above. The bench also issued a series of directions for systemic improvements, including ensuring round-the-clock medical assistance in the jail, augmenting CCTV surveillance under the inspector general of prisons' personal responsibility and improving lavatory and drinking water facilities. The court ordered that the jail superintendent or a senior jail officer, along with a senior officer of the health department, to submit a compliance report on the steps taken in 60 days The Court listed the matter for October 30....