Jyotipriya Mallik returns to jail After 90-day hospital stay amid ration corruption charges

Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallik, who had been undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital for over 90 days, returned to Presidency Jail on Saturday night. The minister was arrested three months ago on charges of ration corruption, and during his hospitalization, he faced various health issues, including persistent dizziness, fainting, high blood pressure, and kidney problems.

The return to jail follows concerns raised by the opposition, and heavy police deployment, including central forces, was observed at the hospital premises on Saturday night. Mallik, accused in the food corruption case, was securely transferred from the Cardiology Department to Presidency Jail, where he was previously held in cell number 22.

Jyotipriya Mallik's health complications emerged shortly after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the ration corruption case, as he became unconscious in the courtroom. Initially admitted to a private hospital by the bypass, the Forest Minister continued to face health challenges even after being taken into ED custody. The opposition criticized the prolonged hospital stay, and his return to the same jail cell has sparked further debates. Late in November, Mallik had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICCU) due to a sudden drop in blood pressure, adding to the complexity of his health issues.