Undertrial allegedly commits suicide at Tihar jail

NEW DELHI: An undertrial allegedly committed suicide at Tihar prisons where security has been stepped up in recent days following a jailbreak incident.

The body of Ravinder, 27, son of Govindpuri resident Chote Lal, was found by his cell mates and warders last evening, a Tihar official said today.

The inmate was found hanging from the grill of cell number 8 of Ward one of the prison with a 'gamcha' (towel). The reason behind the extreme step was not known, said the official.

Ravinder was lodged in Tihar on July 8, last year in a case of murder. He had two FIRs against him at Govindpuri police station including one in the murder case.

Prison officials questioned his cell mates who said his behaviour was normal.

He had a criminal background and had been in and out of the jail since 2004.

The incident was brought to the notice of the concerned metropolitan magistrate and local police. The body was sent for post mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death and to find out whether or not foul play was involved, said Tihar DIG and PRO Mukesh Prasad.

The high-security Tihar witnessed a sensational jailbreak recently when two undertrials scaled the wall of their ward and then dug a tunnel through the boundary wall to escape from prison.

It came to the notice of jail authorities only when the two inmates were found missing during the morning roll call.