Shraddha Walkar Case: Aaftab Alleges Death Threats in Tihar Jail
Aaftab Amin Poonawala claims jail inmates threatened to slash his face. Saket Court orders Tihar Jail to ensure his safety.
Aaftab Amin Poonawala, the primary accused in the gruesome Shraddha Walkar murder case, has approached the court claiming that his life is in danger inside Tihar Jail. Alleging that fellow inmates have been issuing death threats and promising bodily harm, Poonawala has sought urgent protection from the judicial authorities.
Threats of Violence in the Punishment Ward
During a hearing on Monday, the accused revealed that he is currently lodged in Jail No. 4A of Tihar Jail, Delhi. He pointed out that while this is a special cell, it also serves as a punishment ward. According to Poonawala, the environment has become hostile over the last 10 days.
The accused submitted to the court that a group of inmates has repeatedly threatened to kill him or cause severe physical injury. Specifically, he alleged that some prisoners have threatened to slash his face using sua, which are improvised weapons fashioned within the prison.
Court Intervenes for Accused's Safety
Taking these allegations seriously, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, who is currently recording prosecution evidence on a daily basis, intervened to ensure the accused's security. To protect Poonawala from potential retaliation, the court redacted the names of the five inmates he identified as the aggressors.
The Saket District Court issued a stern directive to the concerned Jail Superintendent to take immediate measures to safeguard the accused. The court suggested that if necessary, Poonawala should be moved to a separate ward or a different cell, far away from the notorious inmates.
The State's Duty to Protect Undertrials
In a significant observation regarding the rights of prisoners, the court emphasized that the safety of an undertrial is a fundamental pillar of the criminal justice system. The judge noted that the State bears the primary responsibility for keeping Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs) secure, as this is essential for the right to a fair trial.
"Needless to remind the Jail Superintendent and all the concerned authorities that the safety of an undertrial prisoner is a top priority and one of the hallmark principles of the criminal justice system," the court stated in its order dated November 2.
Next Steps and Compliance
The court has demanded a status report from the Jail Superintendent at the earliest to confirm what steps have been taken to mitigate the risk. Additionally, a copy of the order has been transmitted to the Jail Superintendent and the Investigating Officer (IO)/SHO of the Mehrauli Police Station to ensure strict compliance and monitoring of the situation.