Date:19/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/19/stories/2008101954710200.htm

Other States - Orissa

He is perfectly at home in jail!

Staff Reporter

Nayak has spent 15 years in different jails

Hati always manages to get himself arrested for small criminal cases to enter into the jail
He has snapped ties with his siblings as they were against his wish to live in jail

BERHAMPUR: Thirty three-year-old Hati Nayak who would never read short stories of best selling author Jeffrey Archer in his life.

But Hati seems to have got the idea to spend time in prison in lure of better life from the short story collection of Mr. Archer called ‘Cat O’ Nine Tails’, which included tales told by fellow prisoners to Mr. Archer when he was jailed for perjury. Like a character met by Mr. Archer in a London prison, Hati of Berhampur has preferred to make jail his home. He says he is attracted to restrained but good life inside jails since the age of 15 .

He has spent around 15 years in the juvenile home and Berhampur circle jail. According to lawyer, Pitabas Panda, who provides him free legal help Hati has no attraction to live in the outside world. “Why should I live outside where I am unable to procure good food and medical help for myself,” Hati said.

Mr. Panda said Hati manages to get himself arrested in relation to different small criminal cases and reaches jail. He never tries for bail. He remains in jail till he gets acquitted or convicted with a small sentence.

After coming out of jail he again opts for another chance to reach the jail premises again.

Hindrance

Hati says it would now be difficult for him to survive outside as his criminal record would be a hindrance for his employment. On Friday he was in Berhampur session judge court premises.

He was arrested in relation to an illicit liquor related case. Unlike others who try for bails he was only wishing that the judge would satisfy his wish and send him to jail as he was not going to try for bail.

Once he also had a home at Balaji Pentha street of the city. He had three brothers and three sisters. He had snapped ties with his family after the death of his parents as his brothers and sisters were against his love for jail life.