§ Sir HENRY COTTONasked the Under Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in the case of one Mahana Santra, who was arrested and deported by the agent to the Governor of Madras, at Vizagapatam, under Regulation II. of 1819, and was afterwards released, the warning was held out in the order of release that, although he was at liberty to go where he pleased, he would be re-arrested under the regulation if he returned to his own home; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the facts of this case, with special reference to the terms of the conditional release?
§ Mr. BUCHANANThe person referred to occupied an important and influential position in Haurangpur as confidential adviser to the Rani. The Secretary of State understands that he was forbidden to return to the estate, in view of the probability that his return would have been followed by a revival of the abuses which led to his arrest. He is allowed to live at large at Vizagapatam.
§ Sir HENRY COTTONWhy was he arrested without any charge?
§ Mr. BUCHANANHe was arrested under the conditions of this Regulation, with which, I think, the House is fairly well familiar.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLToo familiar.
§ Mr. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the activity of persons of this description a rebellion took place in these territories, and that troops had to be sent?
§ Mr. BUCHANANI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of the question.
§ Mr. MACKARNESSMay I ask if this man is to be debarred for an indefinite period?
§ Mr. BUCHANANI have given the House all the information I possess.