Chauhan’s SIMIan antics

Posted by: N D Sharma on: February 13, 2011

• In: Madhya Pradesh
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Madhya Pradesh is fast evolving into a ‘Banana Republic’, metaphorically speaking, where even the most important decisions are being taken on a whim rather than after a due deliberation. The recent release, and re-arrest, of five Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists explains it vividly.
Zadeel Parvez, Ayaz alias Ashu, Akbar Khan, Meheruddin and Irshad Ali, all SIMI activists, were released under the Republic Days amnesty scheme from Khachrod sub-jail in Ujjain district after they had served 33 months out of the five years’ imprisonment awarded them by the court.
A section in the Sangh Parivar created ruckus about the “antinationals” having been released before their having completed the full jail term. The Chauhan government rearrested them and put them in jail for completing the remaining term of imprisonment. The political leadership thus usurped the role of the judiciary to jail the five persons who had been set free for all practical purposes by its own order.
The decision to grant amnesty is taken at the highest level. But the Chauhan government suspended the sub-jailor at Khachrod who had only obeyed the direction received from above. The director-general of jails and the principal secretary to the jail department were merely shifted to other positions. The minister of jails was not touched.
What makes Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s amnesty scheme stink is the recent Supreme Court directive to the State government to immediately release Chhotelal of Bhind district who had completed his two-year jail term in an Arms Act case in 2003 but was still rotting in jail. How come his case never came up for consideration for amnesty granted by the State government twice a year? Because he did not have money or contacts at the appropriate level?

Tags: Chhotelal, Khachrod, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, SIMI