Delhi Riots-Facing Harassment & Regular Beatings At Hands Of Jail Inmates: Ishrat Jahan Tells Delhi Court-Read Order

Former Congress Councillor Ishrat Jahan, who is presently facing trial in an UAPA case in a case related to the northeast Delhi riots in February this year, told the Karkardooma Court (Delhi) on Tuesday (22nd December) that she was beaten today badly by other inmates and she is facing harassment and regular beatings at the hands of inmates. Before the Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat, she also mentioned the name of one lady Pooja @ Golden and Gulshan stating that "she is a lesbian and her activity are very obnoxious" and that she fears her safety from the said inmates. As per the report of The Indian Express, Jahan told the court, "This is the second incident in a month. In the morning today at 6.30, they (inmates) beat me badly and abused me verbally. One of the inmates even slit her hand so I'm punished on a false complaint. Fortunately, jail officials did not listen to them. I have given a written complaint. They keep calling me a terrorist. They also demanded money from me in the canteen." Some of other accused persons also stated that they are being discriminated against in jail. Court's Order In view of the allegations made by Ishrat Jahaan, the Court directed the Jail Superintendent to file a detailed reply by 23rd December (Wednesday) regarding the said allegations and steps being taken by them to allay the fear of the accused and further steps that are needed and which they are going to take in this regard, if any. The Jail Superintendent has also been directed to ensure that all safety and security measures for the present accused are taken, in view of the allegations of threat, harassment and physical harm by other ladies inmates. As per the report of The Indian Express, ASJ Rawat said, "She (Jahan) seems to be in a state of utter fear. Please talk to her immediately and understand the situation. File a detailed report about steps taken to allay her apprehension and fear. Take all necessary steps, take immediate steps. I don't want to hear that the accused was further harassed by her inmates or anybody else because she complained. I do not want to hear that the present accused is harmed in any way."Recently, the Delhi High Court ordered a summary inquiry to be conducted by a Metropolitan Magistrate into the allegations that inmates in Tihar Jail were beaten up. The Bench of Justice J. R. Midha and Justice A. J. Bhambhani directed the Principal District and Sessions Judge (Headquarters) to nominate a Metropolitan Magistrate to conduct a summary inquiry into the complaint made by the appellant (named Mohd. Sumer). Click Here To Download OrderRead Order

Delhi Riots-Facing Harassment & Regular Beatings At Hands Of Jail Inmates: Ishrat Jahan Tells Delhi Court-Read Order

Sparsh Upadhyay

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