New Delhi: A Delhi court Monday directed Tihar jail authorities to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of Aaftab Amin Poonawala, the accused in the Shraddha Walkar murder case, after he alleged that fellow inmates had threatened to physically harm him.
It is the duty of the state to keep under trial prisoners safe and secure, which is within the realm of a right to a fair trial of an accused,” the judge said. On this basis, the judge directed the jail superintendent to take immediate measures and file an action-taken report at the earliest. It also directed that a copy of the order be sent to the jail authorities and the investigating officer for compliance. “The safety of an undertrial prisoner is a top priority and one of the hallmark principles of the criminal justice system. Poonawala also disclosed the names of five inmates who had allegedly threatened him. However, the court ordered that their names be redacted from the proceedings record to maintain confidentiality and ensure his safety.
Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, who was recording prosecution evidence in the case, was informed by Poonawala that some inmates had been repeatedly threatening him for 10 days, warning that they would slash his face and cause him bodily harm.
The accused told the court that he was lodged in Jail No. In its order, the court said, “The court deems fit to direct the concerned jail superintendent to take immediate steps to ensure safety and security of the accused. 4A of Tihar Jail Complex, which houses a special cell and is also a punishment ward. He expressed concerns over his safety inside the prison. Further, if required, the accused may be kept in a separate ward and/or cell away from the notorious inmates.”