Six "Mahila Ashram" inmates make bid for freedom

KANPUR: Around six inmates of the Rajkiya Mahila Ashram once again created ruckus and made an abortive attempt to escape from the ashram premises

here on Wednesday morning. Reports further stated that Siyarani, who was lodged under section 22 of the IPC at the Rajkiya Mahila Ashram in Swaroopnagar, made an unsuccessful attempt to escape from the ashram along with five other inmates. Siyarani, a resident of Chitrakoot district, was brought to the ashram about three-four months back in connection with an elopement case, in which her husband had accused her of eloping with her paramour during her stay at her in-laws' place in Chitrakoot. Ashram sources said Siyarani, along with five other inmates, identified as Lakhshmi, Shalu, Sudha, Babli and Geeta, reached the gates of the ashram and tried to flee from there in the presence of guard Surendra Nath and other security personnel. They were chased and overpowered. The matter was immediately brought to the notice of senior district officials. However, on being questioned by senior administrative officials, the inmates claimed they were constantly being harassed by other inmates and staff of the Rajkiya Mahila Ashram. It was due to that reason that they had made a bid for freedom on Wednesday morning. The ashram authorities, however, refuted their allegations as baseless. ADM City Shakuntala Gautam and circle officer, Swaroopnagar, Karunakar Rao also visited the ashram to take note of the situation. It may be recalled that 15 of the 69 women-inmates of the Rajikya Mahila Ashram escaped on July 29 (also a Wednesday morning). Out of the 15 inmates, the whereabouts of eight escapees is yet to be ascertained.