Delhi High Court Denies Bail To Former Tihar Jail Official In Inmate Ankit Gujjar Murder Case

The Delhi High Court has recently denied bail to a former Deputy Superintendent of Tihar jail in the murder case of inmate Ankit Gujjar, a 29-year old alleged gangster, who was found dead inside the prison in 2021.

Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain denied bail to the then jail official Narender Meena, keeping in view the nature and gravity of the offences and the likelihood of him influencing the witnesses or tampering with the evidence.

The court observed that there was nothing on record to show that the delay in trial, if any, was caused by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to whom the probe was transferred by way of judicial order in September 2021.

“It is pertinent to mention that UTP Ankit Gujjar died while he was in judicial custody. The post mortem report reflects multiple ante mortem injuries on body of UTP Ankit Gujjar. The trial court in impugned order also observed that the petitioner tried to influence witnesses and larger interest of the society has to be given preference over the liberty of the accused,” the court observed.

Ankit Gujjar was found dead inside Tihar Jail on August 04, 2021. He was lodged in Central Jail No. 3. Four officials were suspended by the DGP in connection with the incident, including Meena. Others suspended were two Assistant Superintendents and one Warden.

It was alleged that Meena and other jail officials had brutally beaten Ankit Gujjar on August 03, 2021, and did not provide any medical attention to him, leading to his death in the jail premises. It was also alleged that the accused persons were harassing the deceased to extort money from his relatives.

On a plea moved by Gujjar's mother, a coordinate bench transferred the probe from Delhi Police to CBI.

Denying bail to Meena, Justice Jain noted that the eye-witnesses or victims made allegations of being threatened by the accused persons, including Meena, to change their statements.

“After considering all facts and keeping in view the nature and gravity of the offences and the likelihood of the petitioner influencing the witnesses/tampering with the evidence, no ground for bail is made out. Hence, the present bail application is dismissed,” the court said.

It however clarified that nothing in the order shall be construed as an opinion on the merits of the case.

Title: NARENDER MEENA v. CBI

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 1082

Click here to read order