Shared cell, Peter Mukerjea as neighbour: Mumbai jail reveals plans for convict Vijay Mallya
With ED confident of bringing embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya back to India in handcuffs, Mumbai's Arthur Jail prepares for his welcome.
In Short
- Vijay Mallya will share his cell in Mumbai jail if extradited.
- His cell neighbours would be Peter Mukerjea and Chhagan Bhujbal.
- Mallya will get full security cover: Arthur Jail DySp
In an exclusive chat with India Today, a Mumbai jail official today confirmed that fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya if extradited will be lodged in city's Arthur prison with complete security cover.
Elucidating further on the probable abode for the beleaguered businessman, Arthur Jail Deputy Superintendent said, "Mallya would share a room with two-three other cellmates."
"Moreover, he would be allotted barrack number 12. His neighbouring cells would most likely house Peter Mukerjea, accused in the Sheena Bora murder case and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, accused in the Maharashtra Sadan scam.
The Westminster Magistrates Court in London, which is hearing the extradition case of Vijay Mallya will be told in the next hearing that Mallya's apprehension about threat to his life is "misleading".
The move comes after Mallya's lawyers said that the former United Spirits Chairman's life may be in danger if he is extradited to India and there were alleged incidents of human rights violations in Indian jails.
Earlier reports of Mallya to be kept in solitary confinement in Arthur Jail- cells called Anda cell (Small, dark rooms reserved for hardcore criminals) was quashed by the DySp today.
A senior Enforcement Directorate (ED) official visited London last week to make 'preparations' for Mallya's return. The Westminster Magistrates Court will re-start hearing the proceedings from December 4.
ED officials are hopeful of a punitive sentencing for the Rs 9,000 crore loan defaulter.
With inputs from PTI
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