The High Court had earlier directed the CBI to register an FIR in the case and sought a status report from both the government and the agency.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, August 13 – The Delhi government on Wednesday told the High Court that nine Tihar Jail officials have been suspended and face disciplinary action over allegations of running an extortion racket inside the prison in collusion with inmates.
Appearing before a division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, government counsel said the officials were transferred from Jail No. 1 and proceedings under the Central Civil Services (CCS) rules have begun. A report on the action taken will be filed within two months.
The update came two days after the High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR in the case. “Please follow disciplinary rules strictly as per law,” the bench orally told the government.
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In its order, the court recorded that disciplinary steps had been initiated and gave both the Delhi government and the CBI eight weeks to file their status reports. The matter will be heard again on October 28.
Origins of the Case
The proceedings stem from a petition that flagged serious illegalities, misconduct, and malpractice within the prison system, involving both officials and inmates. The plea alleged that in order to secure certain “facilities” inside the jail — such as access to contraband, improved living conditions, or communication privileges — inmates or their contacts outside paid bribes to officials.
The alleged arrangement, according to the petitioner, was systematic and coordinated, with insiders and outsiders working in tandem to run what was described as an organised extortion racket.
On May 2, the High Court had instructed the Principal Secretary (Home) of the Delhi government to conduct a fact-finding inquiry to identify administrative lapses and name officials responsible. The court had also ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the allegations, given the seriousness of the charges and the possible involvement of multiple officials.
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The case has since expanded in scope, with the CBI’s impending FIR expected to bring more clarity on the extent of the alleged corruption network inside Tihar — Asia’s largest prison complex, notorious in the past for smuggling, bribery, and misuse of facilities.
With nine officials now suspended and an FIR on the way, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the probe leads to criminal prosecution in addition to departmental action. The High Court has made it clear that both the government and investigative agencies will be held accountable for ensuring transparency and adherence to due process.
For now, the focus remains on uncovering how deep the alleged extortion racket ran, and whether further suspensions or arrests may follow as the investigation unfolds.
