With police deployment maximised in areas along the route of the PM's convoy, there was no one available to escort the 25-odd undertrials to court. Not only that, even ailing undertrials and convicts who were required to be taken to SSG Hospital for medical consultation and treatment had to wait a day (at least) as there was no escort.

Officials at the Police Headquarters said the jail authorities had asked for about 120 constables and head constables for `zabta' (escort) duty, but such duties had been cancelled because of increased security requirement.

While Superintendent of Jail Ramniwas Meena refused to comment, DCP (Administration) Meera Ramniwas said she had informed the court and the jail authorities.

Legally, everyone is in the clear. But undertrials are humans, too!