10 August,2010 06:40 AM IST | | Kaumudi Gurjar
On Yerwada prison visit, Minister of State for Home says he will conduct surprise checks on jails in state
Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe ensured his visit to Yerwada Central Jail on the occasion of Kranti Din yesterday was devoid of controversy.
Bagwe said, "This time my visit was planned. I will pay a surprise visit some time soon and then I will know what is happening."
Unlike last month, when his comments had caused an uproar in the assembly, this time Bagwe chose to give instructions to the jail authorities in private.
"I have given specific instructions to authorities regarding facilities to be provided to the prisoners. They are prescribed in the jail manual. I can comment on irregularities, if any, only after paying a surprise visit," he said.
Historical site
Bagwe paid homage to the place of historical significance. The Pune Pact was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar in 1932 inside Yerwada jail.
"I am planning to conduct a surprise visit to Arthur Road jail next week to re-check the facilities provided to prisoners," Bagwe said. "In the coming days, I will conduct surprise visits at Thane and Nashik jails to see if the
criminals lodged inside are getting facilities that they enjoy at home."
