New Delhi, June 3rd, 2011

The Delhi Government in compliance with the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission has paid rupees one lakh as monetary relief to the next of kin of Alka, who committed suicide in Tihar Jail.

Alka was imprisoned in the Central Jail No. 6, Tihar, New Delhi on the 28th June, 2007. At the time of admission to the jail, she was found sickly with low blood pressure and high grade fever. It was also found that she had given birth to a baby 27 days back. Therefore, she was referred directly to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital.

Thereafter, her treatment continued through the jail dispensary under the observation of DDU hospital. On the 23rd October, 2007, she attempted to commit suicide. She was brought by her co-inmates to the medical examination rule of Central Jail No. 6 dispensary from where she was referred to DDU hospital, where she was declared brought dead.

On consideration of various reports, the Commission differed from the observation of the enquiry magistrate in the matter to the extent that the detaining authority had not taken adequate precaution to prevent the prisoner from doing any harm to herself. It said that for breach of its duty to take care of a prisoner, the Government of NCT, Delhi must bear the liability and on the 28th January, 2011 recommended rupees one lakh as compensation to the next of kin of deceased Alka. The Commission had also sought a compliance report along with proof of payment from Chief Secretary, Government of NCT, Delhi.

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