PANAJI
In the aftermath of a violent confrontation between two rival groups of notorious criminals comprising Vijay Karbotkar and Tarzan Parsekar, the Prison authorities shuffled all prisoners to different cells, with four including one of those involved in the fight relocated to a punishment cell.
Sources said the move is aimed at restoring order and ensuring the safety of both 500-odd inmates and staff within the Colvale Central Jail.
On Tuesday, life convict Karbotkar attacked his under-trial rival, Parsekar, while the latter was taken to the dispensary for a medical check-up. The fight which escalated with their gang members allegedly joining in, saw the doctor nearly locked inside amidst the fight.
Sources said Inspector General of Prisons Omvir Singh pulled up the jail officials for failing to ensure the safety of the doctor and prevent the fight.
All this compelled Singh to reassess the housing arrangements of all the inmates.
“Every single prisoner has been relocated to new jail cells. Four of them are shifted to punishment cells for an indefinite period. If the situation persists, we will take further tough measures,” a senior officer said.
The Goan had reported that a feud between these rivals had been escalating for several days and despite the authorities allegedly knowing of the unrest in the jail blocks, failed to take appropriate action.
CELL PHONES, TOBACCO PRODUCTS SEIZED: Soon after the shuffle, a raid in the jail premises led to the confiscation of a significant number of mobile phones and tobacco products. This comes as no surprise, as The Goan in its extensive report on the scuffle, shed light on the alarming use of weapons and banned items within the confines of the prison walls. As many as 30 phones were found in the possession of the inmates.
Despite the Prison department’s claims of rigorous frisking procedures for both staff and prisoners, the seizure of these illicit items once again suggests an undetected smuggling network within the facility.
Jailor accepted bribe to exchange mobile: Inmates
PANAJI: A recent meeting between prisoners and jail officials unveiled a sensational revelation as much to the astonishment of the IGP, a handful of inmates claimed that a jailor had accepted a bribe of Rs 10,000 in exchange for releasing a confiscated phone, belonging to none other than the infamous Tarzan Parsekar.
