‘Eyewitness’ Somnath Bharti saw ‘war-like’ clash in Tihar jail

Former Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti has claimed that he was an eyewitness to the clash inside Tihar Jail, in which two prisoners were killed on Wednesday night.

Former Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti has claimed that he was an eyewitness to the clash inside Tihar Jail, in which two prisoners were killed on Wednesday night.

Former Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti, who is currently in Tihar jail over a domestic violence case, says he witnessed the clash which left two prisoners dead. (HT FIile Photo)

“It was a war-like situation. I was in the same jail. It continued for around two hours. The superintendent and the deputy superintendent and other jail staff risked their life to prevent more deaths during the clash. There was siren blaring all around the jail,” said Bharti.

The AAP MLA said the prisoners used stones and knives. Bharti, who was lodged in jail number 1 in a domestic violence case, was released on bail hours after violence was brought under control. “It was a proper gang war inside the prison,” Bharti said.

The police have said that the initial probe in the incident has shown that the murders were a result of personal enmity. “Both of them are criminals. Anil wanted to prove to his associates that he could attack Ishwar. Ishwar had attacked Anil in the past to humiliate Anil in front of his associates. Other prisoners have said Anil had decided the ‘best spot’ on Ishwar’s body to strike a fatal blow,” said a police officer.

DIG (Prisons) Mukesh Prasad said DG Alok Verma had ordered an inquiry into the incident. A police officer investigating the case said while they have taken the statement of other victims, further probe will proceed only after receiving magisterial report.

Delhi home department in charge Satyendar Jain said the Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident “In a previous such incident, we terminated the job of a jail official. If somebody is held responsible for this incident, we will take strictest possible action,” Jain said.