11 more jail officials suspended in Vellore inmates harassment case

VELLORE: With the suspension of 11 more prison officials on Monday, the total number of suspended officials in Vellore Central Jail in connection with allegations of harassment and torture of a life prisoner reached 14.

The suspensions followed the directions given by the Director General of Prisons after the oral hearing in the Madras High Court. Among those initially suspended last week were DIG of Prisons (Vellore Range) R Rajalakshmi, former additional superintendent of Vellore Central Jail A Abdul Rahman; and guard Arul Kumar.

Following the suspension of senior officials, 11 more people were suspended on Monday night, sources said.

These include DIG’s personal security guard Raju, OC team constables Mani, Rashid, Prasanth, Raja, Thamilselvan and Viji, women constables Saraswathi and Selvi, and prison guards Suresh and Sethu.

He was arrested under Sections 115(2), 118(2), 146, 49 and 127(8) of the BNS in connection with the alleged torture case, officials said. The action is part of ongoing measures to address serious allegations of mistreatment of prisoners and enforce judicial orders.