Mumbai: Nearly three months after murder convict Manjula Shette was allegedly killed in an assault by guards at the Byculla Women’s Prison, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch told the Bombay High Court on Friday that the charge sheet in the case will be filed in 20 days.
A Division Bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and M.S. Karnik was hearing a criminal PIL filed by social worker Pradeep Bhalekar on Shette’s, which sought that male constables be charged under for IPC section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), and for a vigilance committee to monitor prison activity.
The probe report was submitted to the court in a sealed envelope, which was informed that investigations have been carried out properly and statements of all those involved have been recorded. The lawyer representing the Crime Branch also said as per law, a magisterial inquiry has been initiated in the matter and another committee was set up to probe Dr. Vishwas Roke for allegedly giving a false certificate that said there were no visible injury marks on Shette’s body. The court said it was satisfied with the progress in the case.
On June 23, Shette was allegedly assaulted sexually in her barrack by prison guards. The post-mortem report confirmed multiple injuries on her body, including to the head. A detailed autopsy report is awaited.
Shette’s death sparked a riot by 200-odd women inmates including Indrani Mukerjea, prime accused in the sensational murder of her daughter Sheena Bora. Protesting inmates destroyed prison property in a rampage that lasted through the night. While six guards have been booked for murder and are in police custody, a separate FIR has been registered against the inmates for rioting.
