Tihar official faces bribe allegations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has served a notice to Tihar prison's authorities seeking an explanation about the conduct of a sub-jail superintendent who allegedly attempted to take Rs 50,000 as bribe from an inmate in order to stay safe in jail. Abhishek Sharan reports.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has served a notice to Tihar prison's authorities seeking an explanation about the conduct of a sub-jail superintendent who allegedly attempted to take Rs 50,000 as bribe from an inmate in order to stay safe in jail.

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Sources said the jail superintendent allegedly used intimidatory tactics to make the inmate pay, as stated in a complaint received by the human rights commission from the inmate's brother.

"As per the NHRC notice sent to Tihar authorities, the jail superintendent had allegedly threatened the inmate to pay Rs 50,000 in order to stay safe in jail. Or else, he should be ready to face consequences, including beating and torture," said the source.

When contacted by HT, Tihar prisons' director general Vimla Mehra said, "I do not know about this NHRC notice." The inmate is a 35-year-old undertrial who is facing charges related to dacoity and is lodged in one of the 10 sub-jails.

According to the source, the inmate has alleged that he is already paying the price for non-compliance with the bribe demand.

"A high-security ward usually has upgraded security and surveillance measures, including closed-circuit television cameras, which keeps a better check on the activities of the inmates and therefore curtails their freedom," said the source.

According to him, the Tihar prison authorities are likely to order an internal probe in the incident.