Jails in State to get video conference facility soon

Law Minister T B Jayachandra said on Friday that the government will soon take steps to conduct trials through video conferencing in jails in the State.

Speaking to reporters, he said the aim is to ensure speedy trials and bring down the security risks involved in escorting undertrials to courts. Jails in the State will be linked with criminal courts through this facility, which will be set up at a cost of Rs 30 crore.
The minister said around 12,65,000 cases were pending in Karnataka, including 20,010 cases of offences against senior citizens and 16,664 offences against women.

While there was the risk of convicts escaping from the clutches of police while being escorted to courts, there were also many instances of undertrials not even making it to the court premises, owing to traffic jams, and long distances between courts and jails. But, if the judges insist that the undertrial be brought before the court, then the prison authorities will have to make transport arrangements.

Telemedicine facility

In the next 15 days, the Home department will introduce the telemedicine facility in all the jails and prisons. “Even as the accused come to the jail, they complain of chest pain etc and by using influence they and get admitted in hospitals. To ensure that this doesn’t continue, the facility is being introduced,” said Jayachandra.

While 7,000 Home Guards are being recruited, the department is also contemplating to charge the legislators and former ministers for hiring gunmen.

Counter attack

Hitting back at the BJP State president Pralhad Joshi for calling him “useless,” Home Minister K J George said Joshi should exercise restraint while addressing those holding a constitutional office. “He should have some dignity while talking about a minister.”
The BJP, which is known for its scams and scandals, should be termed “ayogya,” he added. Joshi had attacked George for the government’s decision to withdraw cases against members of KFD and PFI.

George also said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was yet to accept the illegal lottery racket case. “The CBI has not yet accepted the case.
 “Until it accepts it, the CID will continue to investigate the matter,” he added.
Jayachandra said that during the tenure of the BJP government, 410 cases were withdrawn. Of these, 58 pertained to communal clashes. The Congress government in its two-year term had withdrawn 29 cases, of which two pertained to communal clashes.


Suspension

George also said Hubballi Deputy Commissioner of Police Hanumantharaya has been suspended, following his alleged involvement in abetting cricket betting.
Following a sting operation by a Kannada news channel, two constables have been suspended, with the DGP recommending suspension of the official. He said that an inquiry has been ordered.
DH News Service