Indrani Mukerjea booked for ‘inciting riots’ in Mumbai’s Byculla jail

Former media entrepreneur Indrani Mukerjea, accused of murdering her daughter Sheena Bora, was among scores of prisoners booked for rioting in Mumbai’s Byculla jail after an inmate was allegedly beaten to death on Friday.

Police have also booked six jail officials for the death of Manjula Shetye, 45, convicted for the murder of her sister-in-law. The post-mortem report from JJ hospital said Shetye had sustained 11 to 13 contusions all over her body on being assaulted. The police registered the case after receiving the report on Saturday.

TP Lahane, dean of JJ hospital, told HT, “The woman’s lungs were damaged. We have mentioned this as the cause of death.” One of the injuries was on her scalp, Lahane added. The FIR for murder was registered on the complaint of Shetye’s cell mate, who alleged that she was beaten by a sub-inspector and five prison guards.

Shetye’s elder brother Sharad, a Kalyan resident, told HT, “She was taken to the hospital on Friday around 7.30 pm and two constables from Manpada police station came to inform us at 7 am on Saturday. I want to know why did it taken them so long to inform me about my sister’s death? My sister has been beaten to death for no fault of hers. She was innocent.”

The complainant, identified as one Shaikh, has also been booked for rioting. Soon after the murder, around 200 inmates, including Mukerjea, went to the prison’s terrace and began protesting against the incident. They allegedly also hurt prison staff and damaged property. Senior inspector Sanjay Baswat of Nagpada police station said, “Apart from rioting, they have been booked for assault, grievous assault on public servants while discharging duty and for burning books and wood in the prison.”

Shetye and her mother had been convicted for her sister-in-law’s murder. “My sister and mother were lodged in Yerwada jail. My mother died seven months ago. After being in Yerwada jail for 12 years, my sister was shifted to Byculla prison a month-and-a-half ago. She was complaining of being overworked and sleepless when we met her last month,” added Sharad.

BK Upadhyay, additional director general of prisons, told HT, “Inspector general of prisons,Rajwardhan Sinha will conduct a departmental inquiry into the incident. After he submits a report, we will take appropriate action.”