State govt sanctions Rs 294 cr for jails’ security upgrade

The affidavit was submitted to the court by Additional Public Prosecutor P S Hingorani during the hearing of appeals filed by Rajesh Chaudhari and Mohammed Irfan Shaikh,who were convicted by a sessions court for committing the murder of Sayyed Ajgar Mehandi inside the Arthur Road Jail,where they were lodged as undertrials,on January 28,2007.

Observing that adequate steps were not taken by the government,the court had earlier questioned the jail authorities over how the weapons used for committing the murder — a stainless steel knife,an iron knife,a screwdriver and sticks with blades — were acquired by the accused inside the prison. The court had also asked the authorities about the steps they propose to take to prevent the smuggling of weapons into prisons.

Dhamne’s affidavit states,“To ensure that no weapons of assault are smuggled into the jail,effective search is being conducted at the time of admission of prisoners and staff in prison.” The affidavit states that according to the Government Resolution of March 10 issued by the home department,“Rs 2,943.84 lakh was sanctioned to upgrade security measures”. The necessary equipment for enhancement of security measures will be availed by all prisons in the state through an “effective plan” over the next five years.

The affidavit states that after the 2007 incident,disciplinary action was initiated against Lahu Kanaskar,working as Jailor Group II in the prison,and his increment for two years was stopped.

The appeals filed by Chaudhari and Shaikh have been admitted by the court,however,their bail applications have been rejected.