The Delhi High Court on Monday sought response from Tihar jail authorities on the measures taken to prevent the murder of Gangster Tillu Tajpuriya inside the jail premises, describing it as a “totally unacceptable state of affairs.”
The 33-year-old was recently stabbed to death inside Tihar prison, allegedly by members of a rival gang. The event was recorded by CCTV cameras installed within the prison.
After seeing the CCTV footage, Justice Jasmeet Singh stated that Tajpuriya was taken out of his cell and stabbed to death. The court stated that it is “unable to comprehend” why authorities did not take action despite the fact that the entire incident was captured on CCTV camera.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Tajpuriya’s father and brother demanding a CBI investigation into the murder as well as protection to them.
The court ordered that a response be filed within one week through the Director General of Prison, Tihar Jail, detailing how four knives were found in the jail complex and why no preventive or corrective action was taken if the incident was filmed on the jail’s CCTV camera.
“This is a completely unacceptable state of affairs. The security of every prisoner is on the respondent and the court cannot understand why, if the entire incident was captured on CCTV installed in jail, no steps were taken when the incident was occurring,” the court stated.
The court also ordered that the status report should include information about the jail officers who were accountable for the lapses.
Justice Singh also ordered the Tihar Jail’s jail superintendent to appear in court on May 25, the next date of hearing. Tajpuriya’s father and brother have also been granted legal protection.
During the hearing, the counsel for Tajpuriya’s father and brother stated that it was a case of connivance between the jail staff and the gangster’s killers.
ASC Rahul Tyagi, appearing for the State, informed the court that the case had been transferred to the Special Cell of the Delhi Police for investigation.
“What is going on? I’m unable to obtain it. What’s going on here? How do you allow this? Isn’t there a legal system? How does it happen under your supervision?” Justice Singh inquired of the State.
Tyagi stated that it is a case of rivalry between the gangsters and that an inquiry into the matter is ongoing.
In response to the submission, Justice Singh stated, “Should I record that you are not responsible and that prisoners are free to cut the prison bars?” Unacceptable!”
The matter is listed for further consideration on May 25, 2023.
