Byculla jail case: Six accused file bail pleas, blame Indrani Mukerjea of conspiracy

All six Byculla women's prison officials accused of murder of inmate Manjula Shetye have filed their bail pleas at a sessions court in Mumbai.

In the bail pleas, filed yesterday, have claimed innocence and have also blamed Sheena Bora murder accused Indrani Mukerjea of hatching a conspiracy against them for framing them into this murder case.

Their bail plea mentioned, "Indrani Mukerjea, a murder case under trial prisoner along with others have masterminded the false case to gain advantage and personal grudge against public servants."

The plea also says that Shetye's death was a result of her illness.

Their bail pleas are likely to be heard in the first week of August.

Earlier on July 7, the police custody of all the six accused had been extended till July 14.

Earlier on June 30, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay High Court seeking Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry in the murder case of Shetye.

The High Court observed that the issue of security of jail inmates has become important and it needs to be looked into.

Mukerjea's lawyer had filed an application in the special CBI court, claiming that she was assaulted by the jail authorities after the death of a convict, Manjula Shetye, sparked a protest in the prison.

Reportedly, over 200 women inmates, including Mukerjea, were booked for rioting and criminal conspiracy inside the Mumbai's Byculla jail.

The Nagpada Police also filed an FIR against six women prison staffers, including the jailor for the murder of Shetye.