DNA EDIT: Tihar needs reforms

The mysterious death of Ram Singh, the prime accused in the Delhi gang rape case, in Tihar Jail is a sad comment on the state of our prisons.

Singh was arrested within 24 hours of committing the rape on December 16 and was placed under ‘suicide watch’ to ensure that he did not kill himself. According to reports, he was taken off ‘suicide watch’ a few days ago.

Questions have been raised over whether the prisoner’s death was a suicide or murder. Questions are also being asked as to why the police was informed only at 7.30am while his body was found at 5.45am.

Singh’s lawyer and family have alleged foul play, saying he was killed and that he had previously complained of being threatened in jail. The government has ordered a magisterial inquiry, which must look into this claim. The probe must also find out why Singh was taken off ‘suicide watch’, especially since he was involved in a very important case.

If Singh has indeed committed suicide, he has escaped the judicial process and cheated the law.
Worse, his death inside one of India’s top prisons shows how lax jail security system is.

But if a probe reveals that Singh has been murdered, it’s a sad comment on India’s justice system because no matter how serious or gruesome the crime, everyone is entitled to get the benefit of the due process of law. It would seem that we are not safe on the streets, and now no longer are people safe even in prison.