Mystery Shrouds Death Of Prisoners In Agra

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (India):
The mysterious death of two undertrials in the Agra jail Sunday morning has literally rattled the Uttar Pradesh administration.
Jail authorities said undertrial Kuldeep, booked under the gangsters act, hung himself from a tree, whereas Aslam died in the jail hospital. Inmates of the jail, who went on rampage after the incident, however, have openly blamed the officials of committing culpable homicide.
"A magisterial probe into the incident has been ordered and three jail officials, including the jailor and deputy jailor, suspended for dereliction of duty," District Magistrate Sanjay Prasad said."Kuldeep committed suicide in the wee hours, but Aslam, who was ill for sometime, died in the hospital," he said. Prisoners held jail authorities responsible for Aslam's death. They alleged that he was not provided proper treatment.
"Kuldeep was mercilessly beaten up by three jail officials as he failed to give them some money. He kept on pleading that he was poor and wouldn't be able to arrange the money but they never paid heed," an undertrial said.
Prasad said punitive action against some of the officials would begin soon on the basis of prima facie evidence.
The incident has come as a shock to the administration as the city is witnessing a three-day celebration marking the completion of 350 years of the 17th century monumental marvel - the Taj Mahal.
Sept. 25, 2005
Webindia123, India, IANS