‘Unacceptable State Of Affairs’: Delhi High Court Seeks Tihar Jail Admin's Response On Gangster Tillu Tajpuriya's Murder, Summons Jail Superintendent

Calling it “totally unacceptable state of affairs”, the Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of Tihar jail authorities on the action taken to prevent the murder of Gangster Tillu Tajpuriya inside the jail premises.

The 33-year-old was recently stabbed to death allegedly by members of a rival gang inside Tihar prison. The incident was captured in the CCTV cameras installed inside the jail.

Justice Jasmeet Singh saw the CCTV footage and said that it was seen that Tajpuriya was taken out of his cell and was stabbed to death. The court said that it is “unable to comprehend” why no steps were taken by authorities if the entire incident was captured by the CCTV camera.

The court was hearing a plea moved by Tajpuriya’s father and brother seeking CBI probe in the murder and also protection to them.

The court said response be filed within one week through Director General of Prison, Tihar Jail, indicating as to how four knives were present in the jail complex and why no preventive or remedial action was taken if the incident was captured in CCTV camera of the jail.

“This is totally an unacceptable state of affairs. The security of every prisoner is on the respondent and it [court] is unable to comprehend if the entire incident was captured in CCTV installed in jail, why no steps were taken when the incident was happening,” the court said.

The court also ordered that the status report should indicate the accountability of jail officers who were responsible for the lapses.

Justice Singh further directed the jail superintendent of Tihar Jail to remain present in court on May 25, the next date of hearing. Tajpuriya’s father and brother have also been granted protection by court.

During the course of hearing,the  counsel appearing for Tajpuriya’s father and brother submitted that it is a case of connivance between the jail officers and the culprits who killed the gangster.

ASC Rahul Tyagi appearing for the State apprised the court that the case has been transferred to Special Cell of Delhi Police for investigation.

“What is happening? I am unable to get it. What’s happening here? How do you permit this? There’s a justice system, no? How does it happen under your watch?”, Justice Singh asked the State.

Tyagi submitted that it is a case of rivalry between the gangsters and that investigation is ongoing in the matter.

Responding to the submission, Justice Singh remarked: “Should I record that you’re not responsible and prisoners are free to cut the jail bars? Unacceptable...”

Title: JAGPAL SINGH & ANR. v. STATE (GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI) AND ORS.