Mumbai/Nagpur: Following opposition’s attack on his government over yesterday’s jail-break incident in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday alleged that the previous government had not taken action against the jailer despite receiving several complaints.
Maharashtra Legislative Council today witnessed uproar as the opposition alleged “complete failure” of the BJP-Shiv Sena government in handling sensitive criminal cases.
Fadnavis also announced that henceforth the government would give no relief to those charged under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act (MPDA).
Earlier, the upper house was adjourned five times before the chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar accepted the opposition’s demand to discuss the worsening law and order situation.
Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde slammed the state over the escape of five prisoners from Nagpur Central jail.
“Noted criminals like those responsible for the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts and the Pune bakery blast and dons like Arun Gawli are lodged in this jail. I agree that this jail was built during the British times, but it does not mean we should not upgrade the security apparatus,” said the NCP leader, adding that it was most unfortunate that a prisoner was able to cut the iron bars of the barrack.
“This jail has become the best rest-house for prisoners. As in 5-star hotels, you can order anything here, from alcohol to gutka to charas and ganja. You spoke a lot on the increasing conviction rate, but what about keeping inside those convicted?” Munde asked Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio.
“Women are getting raped while police themselves too aren’t safe. In the CM’s own constituency, the police do not register a case for full four hours when a girl comes to register a complaint at 11 PM. How bad can the situation get?” he said.
In his reply, Fadnavis hit back, pointing out that Nagpur jail superintendent Vaibhav Kamble, who was suspended after yesterday’s incident, had 51 complaints against him in the last one year, but the Congress-NCP government took no action.
