'Byculla inmate Manjula Shetye died of assault,' admits Maharashtra government

The Bombay High Court had accused the police of attempting to make her death look like an accident

The Maharashtra government on Friday admitted in the floor of the house that Byculla jail inmate, Manjula Shetye died of assault. Minister in Devendra Fadnavis cabinet, Ranjit Patel rubbished police claims that the prisoner died after sustaining injuries due to a fall.

The government's admission comes days after the Bombay High Court pulled up the police department for attempting to make Manjula's death seem like an accident. "There were 17 injury marks on her body. There is no doubt that her death was caused due to assault by the jail staff. According to eyewitnesses, she was taken inside the jail office after which doors and windows were closed. We have got the CCTV footage," Ranjit Patil told the house.

The minister also added that Dr Vishwas Roke of J J Hospital, where Manjula died, was suspended for issuing a death certificate citing a fall as the cause of death. The police had produced the death certificate as evidence to the court to argue that Manjula Shetye had not died as a result of the assault. The court, however, depended on the post mortem report that suggested grievous injuries. The minister made the admission after NCP leaders raised the issue in the assembly. Patil also assured that house that none responsible for Manjula's death would be spared.

Indrani Mukherjea to be questioned

Patil added that Indrani Mukherjea, accused of murdering Sheena Bora, will be questioned in Manjula Shetye's death case. Indrani has been named an accused in rioting that followed the death of Manjula Shetye. Indrani is said to have led the vandalism that followed inside the Byculla prisons where files were torched and prisoners protested atop the jail building.

OneIndia News