Mumbai: The State government on Tuesday announced the suspension of Byculla jail superintendent Chandramani Indalkar and Tanaji Gharbudve, who was the acting superintendent at the time when convict Manjula Shette was murdered.
Replying to a calling-attention motion raised by Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde and others in the Legilative Council, Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil said the government is also investigating the alleged assistance extended by DIG (Prison) Swati Sathe to the police officers accused in the case.
“We have the detailed WhatsApp conversation between Ms. Sathe and other officers asking to join hands to help police officers who are accused of murdering Ms. Shette. How can an officer who was the investigating officer in the case make such an appeal? The officer should be suspended pending inquiry,” said Mr. Munde.
Mr. Patil, announcing the suspension of the two officers for failing on duty, assured the House that all the allegations against Ms. Sathe will be investigated,and if found guilty, she will not be spared.
Mr. Munde recalled his experience of visiting the Byculla jail as part of a delegation of MLCs. “The conditions are beyond description. The women inmates were scared to even speak to us in front of the officers. They spoke only after we asked the officers to leave us alone,” he said.
He said convicts and undertrials receive undergoing inhuman treatment, even sexual harassment.
Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe, referring to Ms. Sathe, asked the House that if an officer dares to seek help for officers so openly, then it is possible she may have helped officers in the past as well.
Mr. Patil said measures will be taken to improve conditions in jails. “The investigators have recorded the main complainant’s statement, and if found necessary, we can recall her for the same,” he said.
