by Tihar Jail, officially known as Tihar Prisons, is India’s largest jail complex, situated in New Delhi. Established in 1957, it covers approximately 400 acres nine central jails. Tihar, which was once a maximum-security jail, has since transformed into a prison focused on criminal retraining and skill development.
Structure and Capacity
The complex is separated into nine primary jails, each designed for keeping different kinds of prisoners. As of December 2023, Tihar Jail housed roughly 14,059 prisoners, much overtaking its allowed capacity of 5,200.
Prisoner Demographics
Tihar Jail prisoners have been convicted of a variety of offences, ranging from small to major.
Security Measures
Tihar Jail follows strict security standards, which include surveillance systems, surrounding barrier, and controlled prisoner movements. Escapes have occurred at the prison, including Sher Singh Rana’s escape in 2004, after being arrested for the murder of Phoolan Devi. He escaped Tihar Jail in February 2004 and was brought back in 2006.
Tihar Jail has held some high-profile criminals, including:
1. Chhota Rajan: A Mumbai-based criminal involved in organised crime.
2. Lalu Prasad Yadav: A former Union Minister and Chief Minister of Bihar, was convicted in the Fodder Scam.
3. Lawrence Bishnoi: A an important gangster whose actions have expanded beyond jail walls, including alleged involvement in international crimes.
