Delhi court has mandated that the Tihar jail ensures the security of accused Aaftab Amin Poonawala
NEW DELHI: Aaftab Amin Poonawala, who is facing trial for the murder of his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar , has told a Delhi court that fellow inmates in Tihar Jail have threatened to slash his face with makeshift weapons. Taking note of his complaint, the court on Monday directed jail authorities to take immediate steps to protect him and said he could be shifted to a separate ward or cell, if required.
Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, who was recording prosecution evidence in the case, was informed by Poonawala that some inmates had been threatening him repeatedly over the past 10 days.
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. Poonawala told the court that he was lodged in Jail No. It is the duty of the state to keep UTPs (under trial prisoners) safe and secure, which is within the realm of a right to fair trial of an accused,” the judge said.
Further, if required, the accused may be kept in a separate ward and/or cell away from the notorious inmates. 4A of Tihar Jail, which houses a special cell and also functions as a punishment ward. He raised concerns about his safety and security inside the prison. After considering his submissions, the court directed the jail superintendent to take immediate measures to protect the accused and submit an action-taken report at the earliest. “The safety of an undertrial prisoner is a top priority and one of the hallmark principles of the criminal justice system.