Following the death of an inmate, Manjula Shette, in mysterious circumstances in the Byculla women’s prison earlier this year, the Prisons Department is expediting the proposal to construct a new prison at Mankhurd. The proposal has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo since it was mooted in 2013.
Shette, a warder in the prison, was allegedly beaten to death by six guards at the jail on June 23. The death led to a riot and inmates ran amok damaging property and setting it on fire. They shouted slogans against the prison guards from the terrace of the prison building. The riot was brought under control the following afternoon. The incident brought to light the problems dogging the management of prisons which are filled way past their capacity. The incident highlighted the need for an additional prison.
According to prison officials, the jail complex in Mankhurd was proposed to be built 2013 and sent to the State government for approval. It was earlier intended to be a separate jail for high-profile prisoners such as 1993 blasts convict Abu Salem, Kaushambi Layek murder accused Manish Thakur and Neeraj Grover murder accused Emile Jerome. Later, the Prisons Department expanded its plans and decided to shift more prisoners with a view to addressing the overall problem of overcrowding in State prisons.
Sources said that the Prisons Department is now trying to get the proposal expedited so that some of the load of the existing prisons in the State can be eased. Additional Director General (Prisons) Dr. B.K. Upadhyay said, “We are trying our best to expedite the proposal for the Mankhurd prison. We are exploring the option of getting the new prison constructed through the Maharashtra State Police and Housing Corporation instead of the Public Works Department.” A prison official added, “With less prisoners to oversee, there will be fewer clashes between inmates and guards, and among the inmates. Lodging high-profile prisoners with a history of crime will also help in preventing problems in the overall working of prisons.” The department has already identified a 25-acre plot of land near the Mandala village in Mankhurd. The proposal is awaiting the approval of the State government. Officials have contacted the State government and asked it to expedite the approval process.
The Prisons Department is yet to decide whether to build a central jail or a district jail in Mankhurd. Officials said that the decision would depend on approvals obtained and the budget sanctioned for the project. Preliminary plans for the Mankhurd prison include a separate ward for women prisoners
An official said, “Even after we get the requisite approvals, construction and subsequent facilities will take at least two years. Only then will we be able to shift prisoners to the new jail.”
