PANAJI
In a recent complaint lodged against the prevailing violence within Apna Ghar, Advocate Vahida Yelgar, who represents an inmate, has accused her own client of threatening her with dire consequences.
Yelgar, appointed under legal aid to assist juvenile delinquents held by the Juvenile Justice Board at the institution, filed a complaint with the Old Goa Police Station detailing the threats allegedly issued by the inmate in the presence of helpless caretakers and staff.
The inmate in question already faces three criminal cases, including an attempted murder charge, with his mother also reportedly refusing to take his custody.
During a hearing where Yelgar submitted his mother's statement to the JJB in which the latter expressed fear for both her and her son’s safety, the inmate turned aggressive and threatened his advocate. In her complaint seeking immediate police intervention, Yelgar also stated that her client further warned of damaging her car.
“He has sought services from private advocates to represent him before the JJB, refusing to take assistance from the legal aid. How is he managing all this,” she questioned while further criticising the authorities for their failure to confine him as the delinquent has been freely wandering in restricted areas.It is also learnt that the inmate's father failed to appear before the Board. The Old Goa police have confirmed receiving the complaint, adding that they are inquiring into the allegations. “We will record statements of the concerned as a part of the inquiry and take appropriate action,” an officer said.
Apna Ghar has already, once again come under scrutiny as there are fresh allegations that inmate JJB boys, if not all, have direct access to banned substances such as drugs. The higher authorities are informed about the matter with the staff seeking urgent intervention.
