Mumbai, June 15, 2025 :- In a disturbing allegation that has brought Maharashtra’s prison system under fresh scrutiny, a 50-year-old undertrial lodged at Pune’s Yerwada Central Jail has accused senior jail officials of extortion, custodial assault, and human rights violations. The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken cognizance of the complaint and directed the Superintendent of Yerwada Jail to submit a detailed report.
The complaint was filed by Anil Mohite, an accused under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in a 2022 attempted murder case. Submitted through Advocate Shabbir Munnaf Nilgar, the petition paints a grim picture of alleged systemic abuse inside one of the state’s largest correctional facilities.
Extortion Allegations
According to Mohite, after being shifted to Security Department 1 in May 2024, he was targeted by jail authorities for extortion. He claims that Jail Officer Ravindra Gaikwad demanded ₹1 lakh as a one-time “protection fee,” along with a monthly payment of ₹20,000. When Mohite refused—citing frozen bank accounts—he says the officers resorted to threats and violent intimidation.
Physical Assault and Abuse
The most serious charge concerns a brutal physical assault on January 15, 2025, in the “Gandhi Yard” of the jail. Mohite alleges he was beaten with belts by Gaikwad, Officer Atul Yamaji Tuvar, and others, including staffers named Kulkarni, Jagtap, and Khilare. The group allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh and ₹50,000 per month for continued “protection.”
Mohite also claims that Tuvar deliberately blocked legal access and prevented family visits, further isolating him. In another alarming accusation, he states that his signatures and thumbprints were forcibly taken on blank sheets, raising fears of document misuse.
Plea for Safety and Independent Probe
“I am a judicial prisoner and cannot protect myself. I plead for justice and safety,” Mohite wrote in his plea to the SHRC. His petition calls for an independent inquiry and immediate protection from jail officials, citing credible threats to his life.
SHRC Response
In response, the SHRC has instructed the Superintendent of Yerwada Central Jail to submit a comprehensive report detailing the allegations and any internal action taken. Officials said further steps will be based on the findings of this inquiry.
A Broader Pattern?
This case adds to a growing list of allegations of custodial abuse and corruption within Maharashtra’s prison system. Civil rights groups have repeatedly called for greater transparency, third-party audits, and CCTV surveillance in sensitive prison areas.
As the SHRC begins its investigation, pressure is mounting on the Maharashtra prison department to ensure accountability and address long-standing concerns about the treatment of undertrials and convicts alike.
