In the wake of the recent clash of inmates that left one prisoner dead and the rise in number of high-profile criminals in Asia’s largest prison, Tihar authorities have beefed up security and decided to deploy one assistant superintendent outside every barrack round-the-clock to keep tabs on the activities of inmates. Jail officials told The Pioneer that the administration is also in the process of increasing the number of security officials in jails.
An undertrial, identified as Ravinder (28), was beaten and stabbed to death by the other inmates over turf war inside jail no. 1 on April 10. Police had booked six inmates for murdering Ravinder and a probe instituted.
The jail administration marked an inquiry into the matter and suspended the jail warden, soon after finding a lapse on his part that led to the two groups to face-off inside prison. Director General (Prisons) Alok Verma also sought an explanation from the jail superintendent of jail no. 1.
A jail official said that an assistant superintendent will be deployed outside every barrack round-the-clock to keep a tab on the activities of inmates. He will be accompanied by a warden. So far, a warden looks after every barrack.
The increase in security of prisoners inside jail has also come to fore in the backdrop of increase of hardcore criminals like Neeraj Bawana, Udaiveer, alias Kale, Rajesh Bawania, Naveen, alias Bali, underworld don Ejaz lakdawala’s top handler Mohammad Yusuf and sharpshooters like Vishal, Nizam and Santosh.
Sources said that all such criminals are lodged in separate special security cells and are not allowed to meet other inmates. Vishal, Nizam and Santosh are accused for the murder of their rival gang member Naveen Ravinder, alias Bholu. They were arrested by Special Cell. Udaiveer, alias Kale is the prime accused in the murder of former MlA Bharat Singh. He was arrested by Crime Branch and lodged with four of his associates.
The officials believe that the hardcore criminals are like an inspirational guru (educator) for the underlings in jail. “Whenever a criminal like Neeraj Bawana, facing more than 40 criminal cases, is lodged in jail, the small-time crooks try to attract his attention by beating another inmate to a pulp,” said an officer.
Ravinder has 10 cases of murder and attempt to murder against him, and he was attacked by the six inmates to grab the attention of the Bidi gang, whose members are lodged in Tihar. Ravinder is said to be murderer of one of the Bidi gang members, the officer said.
The Tihar administration has also decided to increase the number of jammers inside the jail after the reports of mobile phones used by the prisoners. Twenty one jammers are installed across nine jails of Tihar. The officer said that more jammers will cover the left portion of the jails. Presently, 14,214 prisoners are lodged in Tihar. Of them, 625 are women jailbirds.