Byculla jail inmate death: Mumbai Police to file chargesheet within three weeks

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police Friday told the Bombay High Court that it would complete its probe into the death of the Byculla Jail inmate Manjula Shetye and file a chargesheet against the six arrested prison personnel within three weeks. [caption id=“attachment_3757927” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Manjula Shetye. Puja Changoiwala[/caption] Meanwhile, the high court has expressed satisfaction over the investigation after a Mumbi Police crime branch counsel submitted its report during the hearing on a PIL in the case. A division bench of Justices BR Gavai and MS Karnik was hearing the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by city resident Pradeep Bhalekar seeking a probe by an independent agency into the death of Shetye (45) who was allegedly thrashed by the jail staff. The jail authorities had initially registered a case of accidental death on 23 June when Shetye died. However, another inmate of the jail lodged an FIR on 24 June alleging that Shetye was assaulted by the jail personnel. Following the complaint, six women jail personnel were arrested . After submitting a probe report to the court in a sealed envelope, crime branch counsel Rajeev Patil said the investigations are being carried out properly and the statements of all persons concerned have been recorded. “The probe is likely to be completed in a short span of time and a charge sheet will be filed against the accused within 20 days,” Patil said. He said an independent inquiry was being conducted by a magistrate as required by law in matters of custodial deaths. Patil also said that an inquiry committee was set up against Dr Vishwas Rote for allegedly giving a false certificate stating that there were no visible injury marks on Shetye’s body. After perusing the report, the bench said it was satisfied with the manner in which the investigation was conducted and posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks. Shetye’s death had triggered a riot by inmates of the jail on 24 June.