Indrani among 200 booked for rioting in jail
Riot in Byculla prison after official allegedly beat woman inmate to death
The police has booked 200 prison inmates, including Indrani Mukerjea — prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, for instigating riots in Byculla women’s jail. An amateur video shot by an onlooker shows some of the inmates atop the prison building on Saturday, shouting slogans against prison officials. The prisoners alleged that one of the inmates, Manju Shetye
After the inmate’s death, 6 jail staffers were placed under suspension and on Sunday, police registered a case under IPC section 302 (punishment for murder) against them
aka Deepa (45), was beaten up by a woman police official on Friday and that they wanted to present the issue before media.
In the rioting that ensued before the sloganeering, prison inmates broke chairs and other furniture items in jail and set them afire. They also flung pieces of burning furniture on women police officials when the latter tried to bring the situation under control.
The inmates went berserk as prison authorities allegedly delayed providing medical help and refused to take cognisance of their complaints till Saturday, a day after the incident. Officials said they are investigating all aspects including the alleged delay in providing medical assistance to Shetye. The inmates’ statements will also throw light on whether there were only six women police officials or more of them. The specific role of each of the suspended police personnel is being looked into, which includes probing who issued instructions before and after the assault on Shetye and whether the seniormost official was in the know.
Akhilesh Singh, deputy commissioner of police (zone III), said, “The recording of statements of both sides has not yet begun. It will cover all aspects and allegations.”