Ahmedabad: A local court today (Aug 12, 2004) issued notices to the Sabarmati Central jail authorities regarding an application filed by two persons, including a lady doctor, accused in the Bilkis Banu alleged gang rape cum murder case of post-Godhra communal riots alleging that they were being 'harassed' by jail officials.

CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) judge G B Shah admitted the application and told the jail authorities to be present on August 19 to give their replies.

The accused persons, Bipin Joshi, who allegedly took part in the gang rape of Bilkis and mass murder of her 14 relatives, is suffering from gangrene on both legs and alleged that he was not being given adequate treatment and was being 'harassed' by jail officials.

The other accused Dr Sangeeta Prasad also alleged that she was being 'mentally harassed' by jail authorities and gave this in writing to the judge.

Advocate Arvind Pandya, appearing on behalf of the accused persons told the court that the accused persons' complaints should be considered as the Supreme Court had taken cognisance of the complaint of the investigating officer of CBI who alleged that he was 'threatened' when he had gone to the Central jail some time ago.