Pak prisoner critical after attack in Jammu’s Kot Balwal jail
4 May 2013 4:49 PM IST
A Pakistan prisoner lodged in Kot Balwal jail of Jammu was critically injured in a violent scuffle with an Indian prisoner. The Pakistan national, identified as 52-year-old Sanaullah, was shifted from high-security jail to PGI Medical sciences Chandigarh in an air ambulance.
Sanuallah, who suffered serious head injuries, is serving a life term after being convicted under TADA provisions following his arrest in 1999. The attack occurred ahead of the funeral of Sarabjit Singh at his native village in Amritsar district in Punjab.
Two prison officials including jail superintendent Rajni Sehgal have been suspended by the J&K government which ordered an enquiry by Divisional Commissioner (Jammu). According to a preliminary probe, Sanaullah, along with other prisoners, was working in the garden where he entered into an argument with Vinod Kumar, a fellow inmate. Official sources said the argument turned violent and Kumar, an ex-serviceman hailing from Uttrakhand, hit Sanaullah with bricks and shovel on his head.
Ministry of external affairs in a statement said, ‘We are aware of the regrettable incident involving a Pakistani prisoner and the matter is being investigated and the guilty will be punished. As you are aware an advisory had been issued to strengthen security for Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.
Safety and security of prisoners in custody lies with the jail authorities and necessary action is being taken. We are in touch with the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi on the matter.’
The government has granted permission to three Pakistani officials for consular access to the injured Sanaullah.
Sanuallah, who suffered serious head injuries, is serving a life term after being convicted under TADA provisions following his arrest in 1999. The attack occurred ahead of the funeral of Sarabjit Singh at his native village in Amritsar district in Punjab.
Two prison officials including jail superintendent Rajni Sehgal have been suspended by the J&K government which ordered an enquiry by Divisional Commissioner (Jammu). According to a preliminary probe, Sanaullah, along with other prisoners, was working in the garden where he entered into an argument with Vinod Kumar, a fellow inmate. Official sources said the argument turned violent and Kumar, an ex-serviceman hailing from Uttrakhand, hit Sanaullah with bricks and shovel on his head.
Ministry of external affairs in a statement said, ‘We are aware of the regrettable incident involving a Pakistani prisoner and the matter is being investigated and the guilty will be punished. As you are aware an advisory had been issued to strengthen security for Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.
Safety and security of prisoners in custody lies with the jail authorities and necessary action is being taken. We are in touch with the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi on the matter.’
The government has granted permission to three Pakistani officials for consular access to the injured Sanaullah.
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