'Qasab security measures inconveniencing people in jail area'

The heightened security measures for the lone 26/11 terrorist caught alive are causing inconvenience to people in the vicinity of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail where he is lodged, a member of the ruling NCP said in the Assembly on Wednesday.

"People are being inconvenienced due to the security measures in place for Ajmal Qasab," Sachin Ahir of NCP said, raising the issue through a point of propriety.

Over 40,000 people living in the neighbourhood of the high security Arthur Road Jail here are facing problems due to the unprecedented security measures undertaken by police, Ahir said.

"Besides routine security checks, people are asked identity proof like ration cards and even guests and relatives of people nearby are asked for the documents," Ahir said.

There is a 'dhobi ghat' nearby and many a times, the bundle of clothes is frisked, causing hardships to washermen, the legislator said.

Speaker Babasaheb Kupekar also asked the state government to consider people's grievances and take necessary steps.

Minister of State for Home Nitin Raut said the government would take necessary steps.