Jail official in charge of Sasikala cell shunted out

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jul 21 2017, DH: Continuing to crack the whip on officials of the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison here, the State government on Thursday shunted out Prison Superintendent R Anitha to Dharwad prison. P S Ramesh, incumbent Superintend at Dharwad prison, has been posted in place of Anitha here.

Anitha’s transfer came a day after the special enquiry team headed by retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar visited the Parappana Agrahara prison on Wednesday. Sources said Anitha was in charge of the cells where AIADMK (Amma) leader V K Sasikala, serving sentence in a disproportionate assets case, is lodged. Former DIG Prisons D Roopa, who was also transferred, had alleged that Sasikala was provided preferential treatment at the prison. Chief Superintendent Krishna Kumar has been transferred out without posting.

Newly posted Additional Director General of Prisons N S Megharikh visited Parappana Agrahara prison on Thursday. This was his first visit to the central jail after taking charge as head of the prisons department. Megharikh interacted with a few prisoners and held a meeting with the prison officials. Speaking to the media, Megharikh said that he would extend full support to the enquiry team.

“I am planning to make Parappana Agrahara a model prison,’’ Megharikh asserted, adding that he did not find any irregularities in the prison during his visit. He said he had directed the officials to follow the prison manual.

AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran visited the central jail on Thursday but was not allowed to meet Sasikala. Supporters of Dhinakaran argued with the police personnel and jail staff but were told that a visit cannot be allowed without prior permission. Dhinakaran returned stating he would come back on Friday with permission.

Speaking to the media, Dhinakaran denied allegations that a special roomy cell and other facilities were provided to Sasikala. He clarified that they were only requesting shifting of their leader to some other prison