Undertrial inmate dies in Mandoli jail; family alleges foul play

A 35-year-old undertrial prisoner died under suspicious circumstances in Mandoli Jail on Sunday. The family members of the prisoner alleged that he was beaten inside the jail and that the assault led to his death. Police said an inquiry is underway.

The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Azad, also known as Rakal, a resident of E-382, New Seemapuri in East Delhi. He had been lodged in Mandoli Jail since 2022 after being arrested by the Krishna Nagar police in a case.

According to police, information was received on March 1 from GTB Hospital that an undertrial prisoner, Mohammad Azad, had been brought from Mandoli Jail in an unconscious condition. Doctors at the hospital declared him dead, and his body has been sent for a post-mortem. A senior police officer stated that proceedings have been initiated under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The exact cause of death will be known after the post-mortem report.

Family members have raised serious allegations. Azad’s brother-in-law, Milan, said that on February 24, Azad was beaten inside the jail premises. He claimed that when the family came to know about the alleged assault, they gathered outside the Mandoli Jail gate and informed the police through a PCR call.

According to Milan, the investigating officer at that time told the family that Azad was fine and that nothing serious had happened. On Sunday morning, a neighbour informed the family by phone that Azad’s health had worsened and that he had been taken to GTB Hospital. When the family reached the hospital, they were told that he had already died.

Milan also said that Azad had a court date on February 28 at Karkardooma Court. During that hearing, he allegedly told his mother to arrange some money, saying he needed to pay someone inside the jail. The family suspects foul play and has demanded a proper investigation into the incident. They have alleged that the death was not natural and that jail authorities should be questioned. Police officials stated that the matter is being examined in accordance with legal procedure. According to the rules, cases of custodial death are subject to investigation. Further action will depend on the post-mortem findings and the outcome of the investigation. It is also reported that another inmate named Tony, who was lodged in the same jail, has fallen ill and has been admitted to GTB Hospital. Police have not yet linked the two cases.

The incident has once again raised questions about inmate safety and medical care inside prisons. Authorities said further details will be shared after the medical report and inquiry findings are available.