HYDERABAD: The ‘no helmet - no petrol’ policy taken up by the prison’s department seems to have had unintended consequences. Regular scuffles have been reported between fuel stations’ staff and commuters at the two fuel stations located at Chanchalguda.
In one such case, the prisons officials themselves approached the local police with a complaint alleging that one of its patrons created nuisance after the staff denied to tend services as a result of the new policy.
On Tuesday, during the late hours, a person approached the fuel station to fill petrol in his vehicle but the staff denied him. Irked by the stations’ policy, he got into a verbal fight with the fuel station attendant. Later, the attendant’s family members lodged a complaint at the police station.
“The complaint was against a man named Ajay. The warders of the jail lodged a complaint with us. We understand that the argument started when the man was denied petrol. A general diary entry has been made,” informed D Venkanna naik, inspector, Dabeerpura PS.
The implementation of the rule is so strict that even if someone approaches with empty fuel tanks, fuel will not be provided. To this effect, attendants were given strict instructions by the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, VK Singh. He has said that CCTV cameras would be installed to ensure adherence to the rule.
“Regular scuffles have become common ever since the rule was implemented. We are counselling those creating trouble. People should understand that the staff, despite being prisoners, also have rights,” said a senior prison official. For now, an additional home guard has been deployed to oversee the operations.