Patiala Jail authorities get Malwinder Mali’s eye check-up

PATIALA: A day after Malwinder Singh Mali, former advisor to Navjot Singh Sidhu, blamed jail administration for alleged maltreatment by not providing his medical records to the jail doctor, the jail officials of Patiala Central Jail on Monday got MS Mali examined from government Rajindra hospital Patiala.
Mali was brought to government Rajindra hospital’s eye ward at around 11.30 in the morning and within half an hour he was taken back to jail, said Mali’s brother Ranjit Singh who had claimed that Mali was maltreated by the admin in jail.
“We got Mali examined from the eye specialist at government Rajindra hospital on Monday and will provide the medicine and other necessities prescribed by the doctor. Mali has been prescribed a spectacle after proper examination that we will provide him. So far, the doctors at Rajindra hospital had not recommended Mali to undergo any eye surgery”, said Jail Superintendent Varun Sharma.
Mali’s brother Ranjit Singh, said, “The police had made tight security arrangements and did not allow anyone to meet Mali. They brought him at 11.30 AM and within 15 to 20 minutes, he was taken back to jail after checkup. His surgery was due from a private hospital in the next few months. We thank all those who are raising voice and concern for Mali whose arrest is a threat to freedom of expression”.
Mali, who was known for his critical stance against the government, was arrested a week ago by Mohali CIA staff on the night of September 16, on charges of hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint filed by AAP’s Amit Jain. His arrest sparked outcry in the state over freedom of expression and also drew widespread criticism from Congress, SAD leaders and activists in Punjab. Mali was sent to 14 days judicial custody on September 17 by Mohali court and sent to Central jail Patiala.