The state government has ordered the suspension of Parappana Agrahara central prison’s Chief Superintendent T.H. Lakshminarayana and Assistant Superintendent Dr. S. Anitha for “dereliction of duty” in releasing an undertrial inmate. Mr Lakshminarayana said he would challenge his suspension before the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal. He told Deccan Chronicle that he received the order at 7.40 pm on Monday.
In December 2011, the country’s most wanted criminal S.M. Masood, son of Syed Mohammed Jamdar, was released from the Parappana Agrahara. An RTI activist suspected foul play and sought details of the release. The state government appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police (Prisons) S. Ravi to probe the case. The report indicted Mr Lakhsminarayana and Dr Anitha, alleging that the two officers did not follow the prison manual relating to release of prisoners.
“The government has not to given me a chance to clarify my stand. Without a proper inquiry, it has been concluded that I am at fault. I am challenging the suspension before the KAT. Another Jail Superintendent Krishna Kumar would be in charge now,” Mr Lakhsminarayana said.