The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that a special committee has been constituted to investigate the seizure of mobile phones and drugs, including marijuana, from prisoners.The case concerns Bilal Malik (35), Syed Mohammed Ismail alias Panna Ismail (48), and Yogesh (40), who are currently lodged in Chennai’s Puzhal prison for murder charges. Petitions were filed in the High Court by Bilal Malikās mother Mumtaz, Panna Ismailās wife Sameem Banu, and Yogeshās brother Prakash, alleging physical assault by prison officials and lack of medical treatment for their injuries.
The petitioners requested the court to ensure proper medical care for the inmates and initiate action against the prison officials responsible for the alleged assault.
The case was heard by Justices S.M. Subramaniam and M. Jothiraman. During the hearing, Additional Public Prosecutor R. Muniyapparaj submitted a medical report from Chennaiās Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, detailing the health condition of the inmates.
Muniyapparaj further stated that a special committee comprising officials from the Intelligence and Anti-Corruption Department has been formed to probe the discovery of contraband such as mobile phones and marijuana in the prison. Additionally, a separate team led by Vellore DIG Shanmugasundaram is investigating the allegations of assault on the prisoners.
Advocate P. Pugazhendi, representing the petitioners, highlighted that the medical report confirmed severe injuries on Bilal Malik and minor injuries on the other two inmates.
The court recorded the submissions and directed the DIG of Vellore to submit the investigation report on the alleged assault. The case was adjourned to January 30 for further proceedings.