Actor Rajpal Yadav, who walked out of Tihar jail in Delhi on bail on Tuesday after spending there a few days in connection with the check bounce case, has urged mordenisation of the prisons and rehabilitation of those who have already served 10 or more years in prison.
Rajpal Yadav said, “We often don’t know who is truly a criminal and who is respectable. But I have noticed one thing: wherever people are being punished, our prisons should also be upgraded for modern times. For example, there are prisoners who no longer go to court because they have already been sentenced. Their behavior and conduct have been observed for ten years.”
“At least 10 per cent relief or concession should be considered for such inmates, especially those who have already served 10–15 years… It is possible that if even the bottom 10 per cent of such people are released or rehabilitated, they could positively contribute back to our country,” he said.
Rajpal Yadav was sent to jail last week after the high court rejected his plea seeking more time to repay the outstanding amount in a check bouncing case. He was incarcerated in connection with a check bounce case of nearly ₹9 crores. The actor was on Tuesday, February 17.
According to news agency PTI, Rajpal Yadav thanked the film fraternity and audiences for their support, urging prison authorities to introduce smoking rooms inside the premises.
The actor said there should be “designated smoking areas inside jails, similar to facilities at railway stations and airports.”
He also said that he would address a press conference later. The actor added that he had sought time to repay the money he had borrowed, but not sympathy.
Yadav said he was born in India, had never changed his passport and continued to remain a voter in his village. “I want to increase my earnings, not change my currency,” he said. Also Read | Rajpal Yadav’s wife implored businessman to lend ₹5 crore loan for film? Actor said ‘Everything would go to waste’
Known for movies such as “Malamaal Weekly”, “Phir Hera Pheri”, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, “Hungama” and “Chup Chup Ke”, Rajpal Yadav was sent to jail in the check bounce case, but his sentencing was suspended till March 18.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order after noting that Yadav had deposited ₹1.5 crore in the bank account of the complainant, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.
Since his case came out in public, several actors including Sonu Sood and Gurmeet Choudhary have come forward to offer financial assistance.
