HC wants CBI probe in Tihar prisoners assault case

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an investigation into the alleged assault on several prisoners lodged in the high risk ward of Tihar Jail here.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar asked the investigating agency to submit a report within four weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on July 10.

Delhi government standing counsel (criminal) Rahul Mehra told the court that criminal proceedings should not be initiated against security personnel as they are working under stressful conditions in an overcrowded prison.

The court said prison officials do not need to resort to violent methods to manage their jails and just because a person in uniform is inflicting the violence, the act does not get decriminalised.

The court direction came while hearing a plea filed by advocate Chinmay Kanojia alleging that his client and terror suspect Syed Shahid Yusuf, the son of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, was among those who suffered injuries during a scuffle with security persons.

Eighteen inmates lodged in the high-risk cells of Tihar Jail were beaten up on November 21 last year when they objected to the seizure of their pillow covers, a preliminary investigation directed by the Delhi High Court had established.

Three prisoners suffered fractures inflicted by the security men, among them personnel of the Tamil Nadu Special Police and Quick Reaction Team.

The court directed the jail authorities to ensure the safety and security of those who have been beaten up. - IANS