NEW DELHI — The Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) has registered a formal case against five suspended officials and three inmates of Tihar Jail in Delhi, alleging they operated a widespread and systematic network of bribery and extortion within the high-security complex. The charges follow a period of judicial scrutiny that pointed to a deeply embedded culture of corruption where money could buy comfort, protection, and even communication with the outside world.
The accused officials include three assistant superintendents, a head warder, and a warder. They are charged with colluding with three high-profile inmates to run the scheme, which relied on threats, physical harassment, and the strategic control of essential jail services.
The Core of the Allegations
The case stems from a petition filed by a former prisoner, Mohit Kumar Goyal, who detailed his experience while held in judicial custody. He claimed he was subjected to “continuous physical and mental harassment” and faced threats of grievous harm after he refused demands for ‘protection’ money. According to the C.B.I.’s First Information Report (FIR), the officials received “undue advantage” from inmates by providing superior facilities such as preferential treatment, better food, relaxed surveillance, and greater freedom within the prison walls.
The investigation found that the public servants, in an apparent abuse of their authority, worked hand-in-glove with the accused inmates to extort money from other prisoners. The petitioner eventually claimed to have paid a substantial amount, reportedly between ₹12 lakh and ₹15 lakh, to ensure his safety.
Systematic Extortion and Harassment
The alleged racket was built on a foundation of fear and control. The accused inmates were used to coerce other prisoners, and the scheme extended beyond the prison gates. Crucially, the families of the extorted prisoners were also harassed and threatened to ensure that payments were made.
The officials are accused of restricting inmates’ access to authorized communication methods, such as the E-mulakat and regular phone call facilities, unless the extortion money was paid. This control over communication was leveraged to force compliance, turning necessary contact with family into a commodity that had to be purchased through illegal means.
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The Financial Trail: Mobile Phones and UPI Transfers
The C.B.I. probe detailed an elaborate modus operandi for handling the illicit cash. The funds were rarely paid directly. Instead, family members and friends of former or current jail inmates received large sums of money into their U.P.I. (Unified Payments Interface) accounts and other digital platforms.
These funds were then intentionally moved through multiple accounts in a process known as layering. Ultimately, the money was converted into cash and physically handed over to jail officials during personal visits or even at their residences in their native places. The investigation also revealed breaches of security regarding communication: the petitioner allegedly made approximately 463 calls from an unauthorized landline inside the jail, and an illicit mobile phone provided to him was used by other inmates to make thousands of calls.
Judicial Intervention Leads to C.B.I. Action
The entire scandal came to light following the Delhi High Court’s intervention. After reviewing Mr. Goyal’s petition and noting the gravity of the charges, the court ordered an inquiry to be conducted by the Inspecting Judge of Tihar Jail.
Based on the findings of that internal report, the High Court directed the C.B.I. to launch a full preliminary inquiry. This led the agency to conclude there was prima facie evidence that the suspended officials had received “undue advantage.” Following the initial inquiry, the State government had already suspended at least nine officials, signaling the seriousness of the corruption exposed in one of the country’s most watched prisons.
