The Hindu : National : Mayawati suspends jailer

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Mayawati suspends jailer

Special Correspondent

“He assaulted some inmates and hurt religious sentiments”

Mayawati

LUCKNOW: A jailer of the Lucknow district jail was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday on charges of assaulting some inmates and hurting their religious sentiments.

B.C. Yadav was transferred to the Bijnor district jail on Tuesday following the allegations. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the District Magistrate of Lucknow.

His suspension was ordered by Chief Minister Mayawati, who assured the minority community that their interests would be safeguarded by the government. In a press statement, the Chief Minister said the government was committed to guarding the interests of people of all sections, religions, and castes. Ms. Mayawati said nobody would be allowed to hurt the religious sentiments of others.

Ms. Mayawati said the rule of law was accorded top priority by her government and strict action would be taken against any person found guilty.

Preliminary inquiry into the incident at the Lucknow jail confirmed that nine inmates of a community were assaulted by Mr. Yadav, although the allegation of hurting their religious sentiments was not found to be true.

A complaint was reportedly lodged with the government by the Islamic Centre of India which alleged that the jailer assaulted some inmates who had tied a rope in their cell to hang their clothes and then humiliated them.

The complaint alleged that the jailer desecrated the religious texts possessed by the inmates.

The Islamic Centre had sought an impartial inquiry into the incident. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the State government suspended the jailer and instituted a magisterial probe.

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