JAIL INMATES ENJOY CRICKET WORLD CUP
The Asian Age(Mar 2003)
By Skimmy Gupta
While millions of cricket fans watched Indian team thrash Sri Lanka on Monday and qualify for World Cup semi finals, about 600-700 prisoners and under trials at Thane Central Jail are constantly encouraging the Indian team throughout the World Cup. There are about six TV sets installed in jail barracks wherein each barrack has capacity of 100-140 prisoners at Thane Central Jail-one of the biggest central jails of Maharashtra. Seated together in large groups, they watch India’s every match -clapping at Indian boundary hit and dancing at fall of rival team’s wicket. The atmosphere during India’s match is truly electric with some even placing friendly bets to evoke more interest in match viewing.
Vinayak Devle, Senior Jailor, Thane Central Jail, Thane told The Asian Age,“Although our TV sets have access to only Doordarshan wherein India’s matches and important matches are telecast, but the craze is high. On eve of Indo-Pak match, there was tremendous excitement amongst the prisoners, as they bucked the Indian team at each moment displaying true patriotism. I feel cricket matches and sports are morale boosters for citizens especially these criminals. For India’s day-night matches, we also extended the regular 10 pm deadline with the condition proper law and order maintainence. “
Another senior official on condition of anonymity said, “Few prisoners also place friendly bets of cold drink, sweets with each other in a jovial mood, most common ones being ‘Aaj Sachin sau marega’ ‘Kaif teen catch pakdega’ ‘Yuvraj sixes kitne marega’ etc. The common bet of India winning the match is less, as all are confident of India winning even the final match. But we ensure no money bets are placed in the jail, as it is illegal. India’s semi-final match next week is now the favorite topic of discussion amongst the prisoners in the jail premises.”
Sources reveal the prisoners are thoroughly enjoying cricket matches especially Indo-Pak match played last fortnight. The prison strength comprising of about 30% Muslims and as Indo-Pak match evokes great jingoism; the jail authorities ensured no unnecessary communal disturbance surfaces. They requested prisoners to refrain from excessive slogans while watching the match. All agreed to the peacekeeping orders and everyone including prisoners, under trials, jailors and staff relished India’s thumping victory over archrivals Pakistan.
Rajendra Dhamne, Superintendent, Thane Central Jail said, “TV sets provided along with other basic facilities are keeping prisoners entertained and occupied during cricket matches. It makes them smile and jubilant and help them forget their traumatic criminal past. We want them to also enjoy memorable cricketing moments like billions of Indians across the globe.”
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By Skimmy Gupta
While millions of cricket fans watched Indian team thrash Sri Lanka on Monday and qualify for World Cup semi finals, about 600-700 prisoners and under trials at Thane Central Jail are constantly encouraging the Indian team throughout the World Cup. There are about six TV sets installed in jail barracks wherein each barrack has capacity of 100-140 prisoners at Thane Central Jail-one of the biggest central jails of Maharashtra. Seated together in large groups, they watch India’s every match -clapping at Indian boundary hit and dancing at fall of rival team’s wicket. The atmosphere during India’s match is truly electric with some even placing friendly bets to evoke more interest in match viewing.
Vinayak Devle, Senior Jailor, Thane Central Jail, Thane told The Asian Age,“Although our TV sets have access to only Doordarshan wherein India’s matches and important matches are telecast, but the craze is high. On eve of Indo-Pak match, there was tremendous excitement amongst the prisoners, as they bucked the Indian team at each moment displaying true patriotism. I feel cricket matches and sports are morale boosters for citizens especially these criminals. For India’s day-night matches, we also extended the regular 10 pm deadline with the condition proper law and order maintainence. “
Another senior official on condition of anonymity said, “Few prisoners also place friendly bets of cold drink, sweets with each other in a jovial mood, most common ones being ‘Aaj Sachin sau marega’ ‘Kaif teen catch pakdega’ ‘Yuvraj sixes kitne marega’ etc. The common bet of India winning the match is less, as all are confident of India winning even the final match. But we ensure no money bets are placed in the jail, as it is illegal. India’s semi-final match next week is now the favorite topic of discussion amongst the prisoners in the jail premises.”
Sources reveal the prisoners are thoroughly enjoying cricket matches especially Indo-Pak match played last fortnight. The prison strength comprising of about 30% Muslims and as Indo-Pak match evokes great jingoism; the jail authorities ensured no unnecessary communal disturbance surfaces. They requested prisoners to refrain from excessive slogans while watching the match. All agreed to the peacekeeping orders and everyone including prisoners, under trials, jailors and staff relished India’s thumping victory over archrivals Pakistan.
Rajendra Dhamne, Superintendent, Thane Central Jail said, “TV sets provided along with other basic facilities are keeping prisoners entertained and occupied during cricket matches. It makes them smile and jubilant and help them forget their traumatic criminal past. We want them to also enjoy memorable cricketing moments like billions of Indians across the globe.”
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Labels: City
posted by Skimmy @ June 20, 2008
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