Indrani and five others incited violence in Byculla jail

A day after the police booked six Byculla jail staffers for killing a woman prisoner, Manjula Shetye, by thrashing her, police sources alleged Indrani Mukerjea, an accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, had suggested to other inmates that they use their small children as shields against the jail guards during the ensuing protests.

Shetye was assaulted during a scuffle between prisoners and jail staff on Friday. Sources said Shetye's interference during the scuffle led to assault by jail staff.

The police have booked more than 200 prisoners for rioting, after they protested against the death and also attacked jail staff on Saturday.

Indrani was allegedly one of the protesters who participated as well as incited other inmates to protest.

Swati Sathe, DIG Prisons said, "Our internal inquiry is likely to end in a week. Prima facie, there were 5-6 persons, including Indrani and one Vaishali, who instigated the inmates to protest." According to the police sources, Shetye had stolen two eggs over which she was beaten up by jail staff. The Nagpada police are likely to add more sections against Indrani for instigating the inmates. "Apart from rioting, the inmates have been booked for assault, grievous assault on public servants while discharging duty and for burning books and wood in the prison. In another case our probe is on, we will arrest them after the orders of our superiors and after the internal inquiry," said Sanjay Baswat, Senior police inspector of Nagpada police station