Raksha vs suraksha

NGO made prisoners beam on Raksha Bandhan. But that came after a long argument with prison authorities mouthing security concerns

Raksha vs suraksha

NGO made prisoners beam on Raksha Bandhan. But that came after a long argument with prison authorities mouthing security concerns

Members of an NGO tied rakhis to prisoners yesterday but not before turning blue in the face trying to explain to authorities that they had permission to do so.

Revolutionary Women's Association, a city-based NGO, tied rakhis for 5,000 prisoners at the central jail and offered them sweets. The 'brothers', in turn, promised not to repeat their mistakes and be law-abiding citizens.

And that was the best gift members of the association got, NGO advisor Charles David told MiD DAY.

"Such programmes will give us a chance to remember our family and reform ourselves," an inmate reportedly told David.

Confusion reigns

The association had planned the event a month-and-a-half back and had even got written permission from the additional director general of police.

But when they got there, jailor Vishwanathaiah said he had not been informed in advance and hence could not allow any programme.

But after verification, he said only 10 members had got permission and he would not allow the others to enter.

However, he relented and let them all in when he got to know that a former DGP was the chief guest.

"We were not informed about the programme, so how could they expect us to arrange everything in a short span," Vishwanathaiah argued with the organisers. Security is our top priority and we don't want tou00a0 take any chances," he said, referring to reports of goods being smuggled into jail.

Permission needed

Deputy inspector general of police V S Raja said there are no restrictions to celebrate raksha bandhan in jail. "It's just that they need to take prior permission and for the time being, we allow only NGOs and organisations for this programme," he said.

The prison authorities discourage individuals seeking permission to tie rakhis since they fear the facility could be misused. However, families who visit the inmates regularly can tie rakhis in the presence of the sentry or jail staff.