Thane jailor suspended after constable alleges molestation

Mumbai: Prison Department has suspended superintendent of ThaneDistrictJail Hiralal Jadhav, who is accused of molestation by a woman staffer. Confirming the suspension, DIG (Prison) Bhushan Upadhyay said, "Serious offence was registered against Jadhav and such behaviour from a senior cop is neither expected nor acceptable." Jadhav yesterday filed anticipatory bail before the ThaneDistrictcourt. District JudgeM M Walimohhmed adjourned the hearing, calling for the prosecution's reply. Police on August 31 had registered a case of molestation under section 354 of Indian Penal Codeagainst him. The 31-year-old complainant, a woman constable, had alleged that Jadhav misused his position and outraged her modesty. According to sources, the constable was posted at the Thanejail few months ago and had requested the jail superintendent to settle issues regarding her quarter (government accommodation) allotment.