Inmate’s death: Six police personnel under scanner

Mumbai: The Nagpada police on Sunday registered a murder case in connection with the death of a 45-year-old inmate of Byculla women’s prison who was allegedly assaulted by women constables after which she died of a heart attack. The police has not named any accused but mentioned six women personnel, including an officer, in the murder of Manju Shetye alias Deepa. They were suspended on Saturday night after a senior prison officer met agitating inmates and heard their side on the incident.

The case was registered after the autopsy reports revealed blunt injuries on Shetye’s body and the allegations levelled by the jail inmates. The police is now awaiting the chemical analysis and inquest panchnama report, which would be used as evidence in the case.

“We have registered a case against the six suspended personnel. We will record their statement to verify their roles in the incident and the reason that led to the alleged attack on Shetye,” said Sanjay Baswat, senior inspector of Nagpada police station.

The deceased was declared dead on arrival at JJ Hospital, which sparked a protest in the prison. The police has registered a case of rioting against jail inmates for attacking the police and setting furniture on fire inside jail premises as a mark of protest.

The officials said the inmates flung burning pieces of furniture on women police officers.