Euro 2012 madness reaches Bengal prison cells

Kolkata – The fervour surrounding the ongoing Euro Cup 2012 has reached prisons of West Bengal and authorities have given their nod to soccer-mad jailbirds’ fervent pleas to be allowed to watch the clashes live on TV sets.

“With a view to engaging the inmates in something positive, we have arranged for live viewing of the Euro Cup games inside the correctional homes (jails). We have been receiving requests for the same from inmates across the state,” Inspector General (Prisons) Ranvir Kumar told IANS.

The state is known for its love for the world’s most popular sport and the jailbirds ranging from petty offenders to hardcore criminals are no different from common folk when it comes to lustily cheering for their favourite club. They have been flooding the prison authorities with requests for the TV viewing of the matches.

“We want to inculcate the enthusiasm for sports in the inmates so that they can use it to reform themselves. We hope the football matches provide them that opportunity,” added Kumar.

The cable tv connections, snapped earlier in the Alipore and the Presidency Correctional Homes in the city, have been restored.

The inmates have also been reportedly arguing and betting on the performances of the star teams and their iconic players.