‘Kasab security bigger irritant than jail’

“If that day we would have got a taxi outside the building, my brother in law would have definitely survived,” believes Sanjeevani Sanjay Jadhav, resident of Adarsh Nagar, near Arthur Road Jail. Jadhav’s 28 year old brother in law died of a heart attack a year and half ago as he could not reach the hospital for more than half hour, which is otherwise at a distance of 10 minutes.

The reason, she says is the increased security around the Arthur Road Jail. For most like the Jadhav, security cover around Arthur Road Jail due to high profile terrorist like Kasab has made life unacceptable, particularly during emergencies.

“We have been living here for decades but the Jail has never been a problem. Earlier we could get transport at our doorstep. Only during the Sanjay Dut trial did they close it for a brief period. But now we wonder if having such high profile terrorist in our midst is a good idea. There could be a terrorist attack too,” said Chandrajit Yadav, who owns a grocery store.

 “We understand the need for security but then they should think of the residents too. Least they can do is provide for ambulance during emergencies. This way life is miserable,” said Anita Kadam who shared a similar problem. A fortnight ago, Kadam had to be carried manually to the main road for a taxi after her blood pressure fell. Most say they have to shout for help to people around that their relatives can be carried manually.

“Taxis do not even want to come as they find they find ingress and egress to the area difficult. A fish market and BMC dumping ground on the alternate route makes maneouvaribilty for the vehicles difficult. Most of the times people touch the other vehicle and a fight erupts creating further problems,” she added.

Local leaders who support up to 50,000 residents living in the area have now started a signature campaign and dharna to get rid of the jail. “In December 2010, we held Jail Hatao Andolan. The reason is if high profile terrorist keep coming, the road will forever be closed. When the Jail was constructed there was no settlement for half kilometre. Now the reality has changed. For basics like pipeline work they do not give permission citing security reason. The government does not seem to be having a clear policy. Either they should not have allowed settlements or they should find remedies to the problems. Now the better thing is to move the jail out,” said Chandrakant Pugaonkar, local corporator.

Businessmen who are facing loss too want a solution to the security issue. “Ever since the security hassle has started 30% of business has gone down. People living outside do not want to come due to security hassle,” said SD Dubey who runs a tailoring shop.