Mumbai: A day after her messages on WhatsApp seeking support for the six prison guards accused of killing an inmate at Byculla women’s prison went viral, DIG Swati Sathe was removed from the investigation into the case on Friday. The Prisons Department has appointed Special IG Rajvardhan Sinha to head the probe into the alleged murder of Manjula Shette, and the subsequent prison riot.
Ms. Sathe landed in controversy after a screen shot of her messages on a WhatsApp group of prison officials was leaked on social media. Her messages allegedly also sought to collect funds for legal fees to defend the accused guards. She had been entrusted with leading an internal inquiry into alleged dereliction of duty and misdemeanours by prison staff. Sources added that a formal explanation might soon be sought from Ms. Sathe.
On Friday, Ms. Sathe wrote to ADG (Prisons) B.K. Upadhyay, asking to be relieved of the responsibility of heading the internal inquiry. Mr. Upadhyay confirmed that Mr. Sinha had been appointed for the task in her stead.
On Monday, suspended SP (Prisons) Hiralal Jadhav, formerly the SP at Thane Central Prison, had written to the Home Department seeking action against Ms. Sathe. Mr. Upadhyay said the matter was being looked into. Mr. Jadhav had also alleged that Mr. Upadhyay himself is a member of the WhatsApp group and did nothing to discourage or admonish Ms. Sathe. Denying this, Mr. Upadhyay said, “I am not part of that group. Mischief is being played by notorious and disgruntled elements like Jadhav, who is a maligned person suspended for the fourth time for his misdeeds.”
