The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports alleging that about 20 gangs of inmates operating in Tihar Jail here were involved in illegal activities and offering protection to prisoners who could pay them.
The gangs reportedly facilitate intake of different objects, offer protection from abuse to prisoners and even plot crimes, including murder, both inside and outside the prison.
During the last four months, about 17 deaths have taken place inside the jail, raising questions about its security infrastructure.
It was also reported that Tihar Jail was overpopulated with 14,000 prisoners against its capacity of 6,250.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the reports, if true, raise serious questions of the human rights of the prisoners as well as people outside the prison.
It has issued notices to the Delhi Government’s Principal Secretary (Home) and Director General (Prisons), calling for reports within two weeks.
The Commission has also authorised one of its Senior Superintendents of Police in the Investigation Division to conduct an immediate inspection of Tihar Jail and verify the allegations and submit a report within two weeks.
According to reports, the gangs in jail reportedly facilitate intake of different objects, offer protection from abuse to prisoners and even plot crimes, including murder, both inside and outside the prison
