Diwali tragedy takes light out of Yadav family

BHOPAL: It was a dark Diwali for the family of constable Ramashankar Yadav, who were preparing for their daughter's marriage on December 9. Yadav, 56, who was to retire in two years, was killed by SIMI operatives inside Bhopal Central Jail before scaling prison walls and fleeing. He was on 2am-8am shift. Family members who live in Sanjeev Nagar Colony near the jail campus, alleged they lost their dear one due to apathy of the prison brass.
"None of the CCTV cameras inside the jail is working. Prison officials should have put the basic security perimeters in place. This would have triggered an alarm immediately. Also, there's a severe staff crunch and my uncle never wanted to be deployed at the barrack housing dreaded terrorists at this age. He was also a heart patient," said Yadav's nephew, Atmaram Yadav.
Ramashankar Yadav, originally a resident of Rajpur village in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, was transferred to Bhopal Central Jail from Sarangpur Jail in Rajgarh district a year ago.
He has two sons, Prabhunath and Shambhunath. Both are in the army and posted at Assam and Hisar respectively. Currently, Ramashankar's daughters-in-law, two grandchildren, his daughter, wife and a nephew are at home.
"We were happy and preparing for the marriage of our sister, Sonia. The 'tilak' ceremony is scheduled on December 4 and marriage is on December 9. Butwe are now in mourning," said Atmaram.