In a significant move, 11 police and prison personnel in Tamil Nadu have been suspended after allegations surfaced that they exploited convicted prisoners, forcing them to perform household chores for prison officials. The Central Bureau of Criminal Investigation (CB-CID) has booked the individuals under various sections, including wrongful confinement and unlawful labor. This action follows the earlier suspension of DIG (Prisons) R Rajalakshmi and two senior officers—A Abdul Rahman and Arul Kumar—after a report from a judicial magistrate highlighted the exploitation of prisoners.
The suspensions, announced on Monday, include Raju, the DIG’s personal security officer, as well as constables and prison warders. The action follows harsh criticism from the Madras High Court, which questioned the lack of departmental action against senior officers. In addition to forcing prisoners to perform household tasks, one inmate, S. Sivakumar, was allegedly tortured and kept in solitary confinement for over three months, following accusations of stealing valuables from the DIG’s residence.
The CB-CID’s investigation continues, and some of the accused are expected to be arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
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