Thu Nov 16, 9:51 AM ET
A former Indian lawmaker jailed on murder charges was escorted from his cell by a handful of officers for a haircut and head massage at a beauty parlor, newspapers reported Thursday.
The ex-deputy from lawless Bihar state returned at a leisurely pace in full view of TV news cameras waiting outside the prison near Patna, Bihar's capital, to report the release on bail of another inmate.
Red-faced officials in the eastern state, where several former and serving legislators face criminal charges including rape and murder, have suspended the policemen involved.
"They could even be dismissed if allegations against them are found to be true," Afzal Amanullah, a top state official, was quoted as saying in the Indian Express daily.
It identified the prisoner as Rajan Tiwari of the Lok Janashakti Party, part of the ruling federal coalition.
Several Indian politicians have fought and won elections while in jail on serious charges.
