JOIN USBJP MLA Sangeet Som, arrested in connection with Muzaffarnagar riots, was on Sunday “welcomed” by the jailor with folded hands even as some of his staff saluted him on his arrival at Orai prison.
Som, who represents Sarthana constituency, has been remanded in 14 days’ judicial custody by a Muzaffarnagar court.
When he was brought to Orai district jail on Sunday morning, the jailor and other staff reportedly came to receive him at the gate.
While the jailor “welcomed” Som with folded hands, some other staff saluted the MLA, who also waved back to his supporters from inside the jail gate.
Basic courtesies
When contacted, Inspector General (Prison) R P Singh said the matter has come to his notice and it would be looked into.
“Som is still a member of the Vidhan Sabha and as a public representative has the right of basic courtesies. But if there is anything beyond that it will be looked into,” he said.
Som and another BJP MLA Suresh Rana were taken together to Orai jail, from where Rana was sent to Banda prison.
As soon as the news of Som coming to Orai jail spread, scores of BJP workers assembled outside it.
When the BJP MLA stepped down from the police van amid tight security arrangements, party workers raised slogans.
Later some district-level leaders met Som in the jail.
Deputy Jailor A A Ansari said the MLA would not be given any additional facility.
Show of strength
In an apparent show of strength, Som on Saturday marched with a large number of his
supporters from his native place before being arrested by police in Meerut district.
He was later produced in a Muzaffarnagar court in two separate cases and was sent to judicial custody.