MUMBAI: The Maharashtra legislative council on Friday saw a strong demand for inspector general (IG) prison, Swathi Sathe, to be suspended and named co-accused in the alleged custodial death of prisoner Manjula Shetye’s in Byculla jail. Opposition and Shiv Sena member debated a calling attention motion in the case.
They alleged that Swathi Sathe had sought to mobilise support and legal aid for the six accused jail officials on social media platforms despite being one of the Investigating Officers (IO) of the case.
The leader of opposition in the legislative council Dhananjay Munde strongly objected to the minister of state of home (Urban) Dr Ranjit Patil’s replies.
The opposition contended that convict Manjula Shetye did not die after falling in the prison toilet, claiming it was a pre-planned murder after which deputy chairman in the legislative council Manikrao Thakare withheld the Calling Attention Notice moved by Narendra Patil (NCP).
Shiv Sena spokesperson and MLC Dr Neelam Gorhe demanded a judicial probe into the case. She added that it is hard to believe that Manjula Shetye was so mercilessly beaten to death over five loaves of bread and two eggs. Dr Gorhe stated that Shetye knew about the shady goings on inside Byculla jail and was about to be set free for her good conduct. She alleged that an attempt was being made to save the accused by people in the government. Ranjit Patil admitted that the preliminary autopsy report was not satisfactory.
The state government will probe whether the medical officer (Casualty) had erred in discharging his duties in submitting a false affidavit in Shetye’s custodial death on June 23 last month, Dr Ranjit Patil stated in the legislative assembly earlier on Friday.
Replying to the opposition charge of Swati Sathe sending Whatsapp messages asking fellow colleagues to raise donations and provide legal aid to the arrested prison staff, Ranjit Patil stated that the matter will be probed by special IG and action shall be taken under cyber laws.
To a query in the Assembly on under trial Indrani Mukherjee being provided special treatment, Ranjit Patil stated that the matter will be investigated and action will be taken against the concerned officials. The government will immediately implement the Justice Dharmadhikari committee report on prison reforms.