From behind bars to bigger crimes: Delhi HC orders CBI FIR on Tihar Jail extortion network

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to formally register a First Information Report (FIR) and conduct a full-fledged investigation into allegations of an organised extortion racket operating within Tihar Jail, allegedly involving both prison officials and inmates.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the order after examining the status report and preliminary inquiry findings submitted by the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of NCT of Delhi. Observing that the allegations were “astonishing” and required urgent and serious consideration from the government, the Court mandated that the CBI file a sealed status report detailing the steps taken before the next hearing.

The matter arose from a petition highlighting widespread irregularities, misconduct, and unlawful practices inside Tihar Jail, reportedly facilitated by collusion between certain officials and inmates to extract money in exchange for undue facilities. On May 2, the Court had tasked the Principal Secretary (Home) with a fact-finding inquiry to identify administrative lapses and had also directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary probe into the matter.

According to the petition, the alleged scheme enabled favoured treatment and prohibited amenities for certain prisoners in return for monetary payments, coordinated between individuals inside and outside the prison. The Bench’s latest order now moves the matter into the realm of criminal investigation under the CBI’s jurisdiction.