Threat to jailor by TMC union

TT, Jalpaiguri, June 22: A leader of the Trinamul-backed union of jail guards today threatened the Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home jailor in public, saying if he did not refrain from assaulting inmates, they would "get him transferred".

Lipon Dhar, the general secretary of Bangiya Kararakshi Samiti which is backed by Trinamul, was delivering a speech on the central correctional home premises this afternoon when he said this.

"We want to make it clear that the activities of the jailor will not be tolerated. Rajiv Ranjan, the jailor, is working against the interests of a section of employees and trying to get them transferred to other correctional homes. Also, he is acting against the policies of the state government and the chief minister and is assaulting inmates without any provocation or fault on their part," Dhar said.

Local Trinamul youth leaders and Trinamul councilors of Jalpaiguri municipality were present at the meeting.

"My association has power to transfer the jailor and if he does not refrain from such acts, we will see that he gets transferred. He might have to face the consequences if such activities go on at the correctional home," Dhar warned.

Rajiv Ranjan has denied all the allegations saying he had tried to clean up the jail and this had angered a section of employees.

"I find no reason why such baseless allegations have been hurled at me. We have reports that inmates have access to cell phones and narcotics. This is happening because a section of jail guards is involved in the racket," Rajiv Ranjan said.

"I do not care if somebody wants to transfer me. I would keep on delivering my responsibilities," he added.

Sources at the correctional home said the dispute started on June 11 when the jailor allegedly assaulted an inmate. Also, the samiti alleged that the jailor was misusing his post and dealing badly with some of the employees.

Bubai Bose, a Trinamul youth leader who was also present at the protest, said they would approach the state human rights commission to protest the alleged beating up of the inmate.

"If we ever come to know that the jailor has again indulged in such offensive acts like beating up the inmates, we will lay siege to his office. Also, we will approach the state human rights commission, seeking its intervention," Bose said.