Manju Shetye's brother wants CBI probe

Mumbai: The brother of deceased Byculla women’s prison inmate Manju Shetye, who allegedly died after being assaulted by six jail officials on June 23 has forwarded an intervention notice before the Esplanade Court seeking a CBI probe into the incident. Shetye’s brother Anant told the court that the Mumbai crime branch had recorded his statement but neither his signature was taken nor was he given a copy.

He wants the investigation to be taken away from Mumbai crime branch. “My statement could be tampered with to lower its gravity. I have told the officials about Shetye’s (Manju's) allegations that there was mass corruption in the prison. The authorities would pressure the women inmates to have physical relation with male prison staffers,” said Mr Shetye. “My sister wanted to seek a transfer back to Yerawada prison and had asked me to write an application to the authorities,” he added.

Mr Shetye said that his sister was averse to these perverse activities. “The knowledge of these things led to her killing. Eggs and bread is a miniscule reason,” Mr Shetye said.

The Esplanade Court also sought police's say on the application made by lawyer Nitin Satpute seeking chemical tests to be conducted on senior prison officers along with doctors and police officers. “All the accused conspired to kill Shetye. The call detail records of all those mentioned in my application should be sought and checked to ascertain the reason for exchange of somany phone calls. The case should be transferred to CBI,” Mr Satpute said. The court passed an order asking the crime branch to give their say on these demands, a copy of which is aslo to be given to Shetye’s brother. The court will hear the matter further on August 2.

“Such things never came to the notice of administration. Every month judicial officer and NGOs visit the jail," said BK Upadhyay, additional director general of police (prisons).