Aishwarya Rathore-
Published on: September 8, 2021, at 12:22 IST
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday handed over investigation into the alleged murder of Tihar inmate Ankit Gujjar to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Justice Mukta Gupta ordered, “Investigation of FIR 451 of 2021 to be transferred to CBI. Further status report of investigation to be filed by CBI before this Court on next date of hearing.”
The Court also stated that it has issued directions to the Director General of Prisons on laxity in providing proper treatment on time, as well as for framing necessary regulations to ensure that officers do not take advantage of CCTV cameras that are not working inside jail premises.
On August 4, Ankit Gujjar was found dead inside his cell in Tihar jail.
In the petition seeking transfer of the investigation from the Delhi Police to the CBI, the family of Gujjar claimed that Gujjar was harassed by Jail authorities as he was “unable to meet their regularly increasing demands for money” and was murdered “as part of a pre-planned conspiracy”.
The petition claimed that the Tihar Jail authorities were running an “organised extortion syndicate” and that the Police were attempting to mislead the investigation in order to save and conceal the offenders.
The petition further claimed “culpability of the entire administration” since an official allegedly ordered the CCTV to be turned off at the time the deceased was beaten.
The matter will be heard next on October 28.
Also Read: Delhi High Court seeks Status Report over Inmate Ankit Gujjar’s Death