Delhi High Court directs preliminary CBI inquiry into Tihar Jail extortion racket

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of inmates and jail authorities running an extortion racket and other criminal activities at Tihar Jail [Mohit Kumar Goyal v. State of NCT of Delhi And Ors]..The Court had earlier directed Rajesh Kumar, Additional Sessions Judge (POSCO) at Tis Hazari Court, to inspect Tihar Jail and submit a report in a sealed cover. The Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela today read the contents of this report and observed that certain startling facts have come to light.“After opening the sealed cover, we have perused the report. Very disturbing, startling facts have been revealed pointing out not only irregularities and illegalities in the functioning of Tihar Jail, but also the issues touching upon the criminal activities going on there. The official landline number of the jail was misused by people with vested interest for promoting nefarious activities,” the Court observed..Accordingly, the Court directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry on the basis of this report.“Having regard to the contents of the report and issues flagged in it, we propose to take two-pronged action in the matter for thoroughly conducting an inquiry into the matters reported. Since the report touches upon criminal activities, the CBI is directed to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the matter.".Further, the Court also directed the Principal Secretary, Home Department of the Delhi Government to conduct an administrative inquiry based on the report of the inspecting judge.“The Principal Secretary Home Department of GNCTD is directed to conduct a fact finding enquiry based on the report of the Inspecting Judge. The Director General Prisons of the Delhi government shall cooperate. The inquiry shall not only reflect upon the administrative lapses, but also indicate the officials of the jail responsible for such lapses. The said report of GNCTD will be submitted before next date of listing,” the Court directed.The next date of hearing is on August 11..The petition raises concerns regarding illegalities, malpractices and misconduct, indicating that all is not well at Tihar Jail. The allegations are that an extortion racket is being run inside the jail involving inmates, in connivance with jail authorities. The plea seeks directions to the Jail Superintendent and other officials to ensure the safety and security of prisoners and their family members, who are allegedly prevent coerced and extorted.The petitioner was lodged in Tihar Jail for two months on allegations of cheating and forgery..Advocates Shrey Sharawat, Sachin, Yash Chaturvedi, Akanksha Mehta, Ishita Mishra, Vikrant Singh and Himanshu Sihag appeared for the petitionerStanding Counsel Sanjay Lao and Additional Standing Counsel Sanjeev Bhandari for GNCTD.