Prison says no 'secret cameras' in Monica Bedi's cell

BHOPAL: Amid reports of hidden cameras being used to allegedly film underworld don Abu Salem's companion Monica Bedi in the Central Jail here, her lawyer on Saturday demanded a high-level probe into the matter even as prison officials refuted the charge.

Terming as false and baseless the reports that cameras were fitted in the cell and bathroom of Bedi, held in the prison in connection with a fake passport case, Jail Superintendent Prashant Somkunwar said there was no hidden cameras in the women's ward.

"The question of hidden cameras being installed in any bathroom inside the jail does not arise," he said.

Bedi is not the only woman prisoner in the jail, where 10 to 12 other women are also being held, he said.

Though 12 cameras were fitted at certain places inside the jail to ensure security in view of the presence of some hardened criminals, not a single closed circuit camera is installed in the women's ward, Somkunwar pointed out.

Claiming that he had came across reports about cameras allegedly monitoring Bedi's movement in the jail, her lawyer P C Bedi said, if the charges are correct, this is a serious matter because such photographs can be used for "wrong purposes".

He said a thorough investigation by the jail administration would be able to ascertain facts.

The lawyer said he would write to concerned officials and ministers on this issue.