DMK, CPI pooh-pooh Sasikala's 'comfort' in jail

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have pooh-poohed the reported 'comfort' that former All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary V.K. Sasikala is getting in jail and said this shows how money can buy comforts in jail.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Prisons, D. Roopa has alleged that Sasikala is getting V.I.P. treatment in Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara central prison.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan told ANI that "This party (AIADMK) relies on money power. This type of discrimination among the prisoners is wrong and it will create a commotion among the prisoners. A probe must be conducted in this case".

Meanwhile, CPI leader D Raja demanded a high level probe on the entire issue and said that its time that India moves towards jail reforms.

He said, "This shows that those who have money can buy comfort in jail. It also shows that there are jail authorities or jailors who were bought by money and shows that how the jail administration is corruption ridden. There must be high level probe on the entire issue and its time that India moves towards jail reforms."

DMK working president M.K. Stalin has also said that it is another feather in the cap of the Tamil Nadu Government.

"This is another feather in the cap of Tamil Nadu Government. There's something fishy," Stalin said.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered an inquiry after the reports surfaced in media.

"We have taken serious cognizance of allegation of irregularities in Bengaluru Central Prison and ordered high level inquiry. I request all to await the outcome of this inquiry. Strict action will be taken against any person found guilty of wrongdoing," Siddaramaiah tweeted.

A report by D. Roopa had asserted that a bribe worth Rs. 2 crore was given to the prison officials by Sasikala in order to avail special facilities in Parappana Agrahara central prison.

Roopa, in a report to Director General (DG), Prisons, H.N. Satyanarayana Rao, had said there are speculations that Sasikala paid bribe to prison officials to get special facilities for herself with rumours also of the DG, Prisons, being a beneficiary himself.

While Rao has categorically denied all the charges, Roopa has maintained her stand and said that she has no issue with an inquiry taking place into it.

The letter, apart from the information about Sasikala, also talks about many other illegal instances inside the prison.