THE gym culture is fast catching up with Mumbai's underworld. Tone up muscles to take on policemen on the prowl is the new buzz among undertrials.
Middle-level gangs have instructed the undertrials to tone up their muscles while in prison. A robust physique and an alert mind could be an asset while dealing with policemen after they are released on bail, sources revealed.
The instructions are not just followed by undertrials in Mumbai's Arthur Road jail, but prisons across the state. Members of the Chhota Rajan gang too are strictly following the fitness regimen, jail sources said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (prison) S P Yadav confirmed that some undertrails are serious about this. "You can't prevent an undertrial from exercising in prison,'' Yadav pointed out.
While some gangsters keep themselves busy with ground exercises, 'Company members' and the organised lot use improvised equipment for regular workouts.
The impression that has gained grounds in underworld circles is an athletically built gangster can easily thwart an arrest. Even if the gangster is nabbed after a scuffle or a chase it would attract minimum punishment. The gangsters believe it is worth taking the risk.
An arrest is often followed by long hours of interrogation and 'special treatment', mostly with a thick belt.
In most cases, two or three policemen are deputed to nab a gangster. It is not difficult for a robust gangster to wrench free and flee.
The policemen, on the other hand, are not in good shape. Long hours of work and stress has rendered most of them in poor physical condition.
The fact that a number of policemen have been assaulted in the past few months has added significance to this development. Although, majority of the cases have gone unregistered, as it brings disrepute to the department.
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