PM8217;s tour keeps undertrials away from court visit

VADODARA, Aug 24: For the duration of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee8217;s visit Vadodara was a cleaner, better-lit city. For some undertrials in Baroda Central Jail, however, it could have been the difference between freedom and another few days in custody.

With police deployment maximised in areas along the route of the PM8217;s convoy, there was no one available to escort the 25-odd undertrials to court. Not only that, even ailing undertrials and convicts who were required to be taken to SSG Hospital for medical consultation and treatment had to wait a day at least as there was no escort.

Officials at the Police Headquarters said the jail authorities had asked for about 120 constables and head constables for zabta8217; escort duty, but such duties had been cancelled because of increased security requirement.

While Superintendent of Jail Ramniwas Meena refused to comment, DCP Administration Meera Ramniwas said she had informed the court and the jail authorities.

Legally, everyone is in the clear. But undertrials are humans, too!