Monica Bedi finds jail life tough

Monica Bedi finds jail life tough
Thursday, October 05, 2006 16:25 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
From the glamorous world of cinema and a life of comfort, Monica Bedi - who was a friend of underworld mobster Abu Salem - is finding it difficult to adjust to the tough life in prison.

Bedi was Friday sentenced to five years imprisonment for getting a passport under a fictitious name.

According to sources in Chanchalguda women's prison, where Bedi is lodged, she was mainly quiet and appeared to be depressed.

The facilities she had been enjoying while the trial was on, ever since she was lodged there after her extradition from Portugal along with Abu Salem in November 2005, have been withdrawn.

She was enrolled as "prisoner number 103" after the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court Friday convicted and sentenced her.

The designer dresses that she has been wearing during the past 10 months of the trial have been replaced with white saris and blouses. When asked to choose between white saris and salwar suits, in accordance with jail rules, Bedi is reported to have picked up three pairs of saris and blouses.

Bedi was shifted to one of the barracks meant for convicts late Friday following the court verdict, said a jail official.

The jail has 330 prisoners. Bedi is sharing the barrack with 22 prisoners.

The first day was a difficult one for Bedi, who initially refused to select any of the several trades meant for daily avocation. She was told by jail authorities that like all other prisoners she would have to work in any of the units making incense sticks, candles and tooth powder or take to tailoring. Each prisoner earns Rs.10-15 a day by working in these units.

Bedi, who was in an agitated mood over the court verdict, began mingling with other prisoners by late Saturday. She was reportedly counselled by jail officials and advised by fellow prisoners not to worry too much as she had the option of appealing against the court verdict.

As an undertrial prisoner, Bedi enjoyed her favourite food and wore trendy clothes. Now she would no longer have access to television.

But Bedi is free to buy food from the jail canteen from the money she earns from her daily work.

The jail authorities hope Bedi would soon adjust to the life of a convict. She had been in a similar state of mind when she arrived in the prison the first time.

Bedi was convicted for obtaining a passport from the Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad, in 2001 by giving a fictitious name and address. She has announced her plans to challenge the court verdict. She has also taken exception to the media describing her as the girlfriend of Abu Salem and said she was single.

Bedi, who acted in a few Hindi and south Indian films, belongs to Chabbewal village near Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Her father Prem Bedi, a businessman settled in Norway for nearly three decades, met her in jail in March. He had said then that his daughter was innocent and had been misled by Abu Salem.

The London-educated Bedi started acting in 'B' grade Hindi movies in mid-1990s. It was during the production of one movie that she met Abu Salem, who reportedly recommended her name to a few producers.
Death Threats to Shah Rukh Khan: Lawyer Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Extortion Attempt!

In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as Mohammad Faizan Khan has been arrested for issuing death threats to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The accused, a lawyer by

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday's Coffee Banter Steals the Show; Frenemies Turn Friendly Over French Coffee!

In the latest promo of Bigg Boss 18, contestants Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday, known for their heated arguments and on-screen rivalry, showcased a lighter side of their relationship

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Varun Dhawan Praises Pooja Hegde's Stunning Look; Sparks Excitement for Upcoming Film!

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently showered praise on actress Pooja Hegde, who made heads turn with her stylish and edgy outfit in her latest Instagram photoshoot. Pooja shared a

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Half Love Half Arranged S2 Trailer Unveiled!

Get ready for an exciting and drama-filled journey as Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming service, and Dice Media's much-loved rom-com series Half Love Half

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Model Sifat Sehgal opens up about her battle with Anorexia!

In a candid and courageous revelation, model and reality TV star Sifat Sehgal has opened up about her harrowing journey with anorexia and her recovery, offering an unfiltered

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT