NEW DELHI: A special cell is reportedly being set up in Tihar jail’s ward 5 to provide “foolproof security” for the former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, in case he is sent there. Mr. Rao has been summoned as an accused in a $100,000 cheating case on July 24 by chief metropolitan magistrate Prem Kumar. The Special Protection Group (SPG) looks after the security of the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their families. If the unprecedented situation arises, and Mr. Rao is sent to jail, would the SPG guard him there, too? This is a question now being asked.

SPG director Shyamal Datta said, “We have not come across any such situation so far.” A senior jail official said, “It’s our job to look after the prisoner’s security.” Former Union minister H.K.L. Bhagat had to leave his National Security Guard commandos behind when he was jailed recently in a rioting case. “If a former Prime Minister is jailed, then the SPG Act has to be amended. For, the group’s only role is to look after the security of the Prime Minister and former Prime Minister,” criminal lawyer Ramesh Gupta said.

Senior counsel P.N. Lekhi said one who was not attached to the jail administration could neither reside nor do his duty inside the jail premises. “It’s the job of the jail authorities to ensure the security of inmates. Every prisoners VIP as faras his security is concerned.” Senior lawyer R.K. Anand echoed him, “Jail itself is a secure place, and Mr. Rao can be kept in a special cell of the highlight ward. The questions of the SPG guarding him inside the jail do not arise.” Lawyer Manoj Teneja said, if the SPG was granted permission to guard the former Prime” Minister in jail, it would raise’ questions on the present security apparatus of the jail. “As hundreds of hardened criminals are inside the jail, the officials have to take extra precautions for Mr. Rao’s security.” The security arrangements for Mr. Rao’s likely visit to the Tis Hazari courts have reportedly been finalized. Senior Delhi Police officials have been inspecting Mr. Prem Kumar’s courts. The police are seeking the help of the Tis Hazan Bar Association and the district judge for this purpose.

Article extracted from this publication >>  July 17, 1996