Hyderabad, May 11 (RAHNUMA): Telangana Prisons Department has launched a first-of-its-kind Jail Museum at the State Institute of Correctional Administration (SICA), Chanchalguda, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the evolution of prison systems and inmate life.
With this, Telangana becomes home to India’s fifth Jail Museum after Andaman & Nicobar, Alipore (Kolkata), Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Goa. Earlier, a museum existed at Sangareddy; however, it collapsed a few years ago. Recently, Soumya Mishra, DG Prisons & CS, revitalized and expanded the concept with the support of senior officials Sri N. Murali Babu, IG Prisons; Dr. D. Srinivas, DIG Prisons, Hyderabad Range; and Sri M. Sampath, DIG Prisons, Warangal Range, Sri N Shiva Kumar Goud, Superintendent, Central Prison Hyderabad. The earlier exhibits have been carefully relocated, curated, and comprehensively developed into a modern, well-structured museum at SICA, Chanchalguda.
Developed under the leadership of DG Prisons Soumya Mishra, the museum showcases historic prison artefacts, recreated jail cells, shackles, chains, prison industries, rehabilitation initiatives and audio-visual galleries explaining prison administration.
In addition to historical aspects, the museum showcases the progressive transformation of the Telangana Prisons Department from a punitive system to a correctional and rehabilitative institution. Displays on prison industries, agriculture, and skill development initiatives reflect the focus on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
Audio and video chambers enhance the learning experience by providing detailed insights into jail administration and processes such as mulakats (inmate visits), court productions, and routine prison activities, giving visitors a realistic understanding of prison functioning.
A major attraction is the “One Day Jail Experience” under the “Feel the Jail” concept, where visitors can experience prison food, living conditions and daily routines.
The museum is open to the public from April 28, 2026, at SICA, Chanchalguda.
