The Delhi High Court is scrutinising serious allegations surrounding an extortion and assault racket operating from within Mandoli Jail, with the CBI now conducting a preliminary inquiry into the matter. The allegations suggest that some inmates, allegedly aided by jail officials, were making extortion calls and threats from inside the prison, raising profound concerns about institutional corruption and criminality behind bars.
The issue came under judicial review after the court considered claims that inmates were using contraband mobile phones — despite strict prison rules — to coordinate and run an extortion business. According to the court’s records, communications originating from behind bars involved coercion and intimidation of external persons, indicating a well-structured scheme rather than isolated wrongdoing.
During proceedings, the court directed the CBI to examine the extent of illegal activities and the involvement of prison authorities. The agency was also asked to explore whether prison staff had colluded with certain inmates, potentially facilitating the flow of SIM cards, mobile phones, or other prohibited communication devices into the jail. This inquiry is part of a broader investigation into corruption and organised crime within Delhi’s prison system.
The court’s concern deepened following the suspension and transfer of multiple jail officials, including warders, who were accused of participation in this extortion network. Their alleged roles ranged from assisting in smuggling SIM cards into the prison to ignoring or actively enabling the criminal operations of inmates. Such high-level collusion, if proved, could indicate systemic failures in prison oversight and regulation.
By ordering a CBI inquiry, the High Court reiterated the principle that even prisons must not become strongholds of organised crime. The judicial intervention comes in response to a former inmate’s petition, which highlighted grave safety and security issues within the prison premises, including the complicity of certain jail staff. The court emphasized that the investigation should be comprehensive, encompassing calls, financial transactions, and communication records.
These developments underscore deep governance challenges within Delhi’s prison infrastructure. With the CBI probe underway, the court aims to bring accountability and transparency to a system that appears to have been infiltrated by corrupt elements. The case remains active, and further hearings are expected as the court monitors the progress of the investigation.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.