NHRC notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Director General of Prisons over the reported killing of an under-trial prisoner by the other inmates in Tihar jail

New Delhi, 2nd May, 2023

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that an under-trial prisoner was killed and another injured in an attack by the other inmates in Tihar jail. Reportedly, the attackers cut open the grill of the first floor of the ward and jumped onto the ground floor using bed sheets to attack the UTP. On 14th April, 2023 also one under-trial prisoner was killed and four others were injured in the fight between the rival gangs in Tihar jail after which the maximum security prison was reported put on high alert.

The Commission has observed that the contents of a media report, if true, amount to gross negligence on the part of the jail administration resulting in violation of jail inmates’ human rights, which do not stop at the prison gates.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, and the Director General of Prisons, Delhi calling for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks. It should include steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure the safety of the prisoners inside the Tihar Jail so that such violent and fatal incidents do not recur in the future.

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