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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Monday questioned the jail authorities over recovery of four knives from Tihar premises where gangster Tillu Tajpuriya was stabbed to death allegedly by inmates belonging to a rival gang.

On seeing the CCTV video footage of the Tihar Jail, the bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh asked the jail authoritites as to why no preventive or remedial action was taken by them when the incident took place as the entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in jail premises.

"This court is unable to comprehend why no steps were taken by authorities if the incident was captured in CCTV cameras inside the jail", he said.

The single-judge bench was hearing a plea filed by Tajpuriya’s father and brother seeking an investigation by the CBI into the “brutal murder” inside Tihar Jail premises on May 2. They also sought protection through the plea.

"This is totally unacceptable state of affairs", Justice Singh remarked orally.

Additional Standing Counsel (ASC) Rahul Tyagi appearing for the State submitted that it was a case of rivalry between the gangster groups and the investigation was ongoing and also the matter had been transferred to the Special Cell.

The court questioned the State counsel, "What is happening? I am unable to get it. How do you permit this? How does it happen under your watch? Has any official been suspended??"

The court issued notice to the Director General of Prisons (Delhi), the Delhi government, and the Commissioner of Police and sought a status report from them. It also directed the Jail Superintendent of Tihar Jail to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing. Furthermore, the court asked Delhi Police to consider giving protection to Tajpuria's father and brother (petitioners).

On May 2, Tillu Tajpuriya was murdered inside the Tihar Jail. A CCTV footage surfaced where four co-inmates dragged the gangster out of his cell and stabbed him to death.

Case Title: Jagpal Singh & Anr. v. State (Govt of NCT of Delhi) and Ors.