New Delhi, Oct 31: Tihar Jail authorities today strongly refuted allegations by suspended Delhi University lecturer S A R Geelani that attempts were made on his life in the prison in Parliament attack case. "These baseless allegations are being made to gain cheap publicity," Tihar Jail spokesman Sunil Kumar Gupta told reacting to Geelani's accusations made at a press conference here yesterday after his acquittal and release.

Specifically referring to Geelani's allegation that attempts were made to poison him, Gupta said he was fed the same food that was given to thousands of other inmates. "How can only his food be poisoned and not that of others," the spokesman said.

He asserted that Geelani was kept separate from other prisoners and provided everything as per his entitlement.

Pointing out that Geelani was kept away from other inmates because of security considerations, Gupta said, "Otherwise, it is every prisoner's wish not to be lodged in crowded cells." Geelani was released yesterday after being acquitted by Delhi High Court in parliament attack case due to lack of proof.

Bureau Report