The extortion of money from inmates in exchange for “special services” continues unchecked within Tihar Jail, located in the national capital. Previously exposed in the cases of former Delhi government Minister Satyendar Jain and notorious conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who purportedly paid significant sums for preferential treatment, the latest victim appears to be Mr. Hari Om Rai, the owner of Lava Mobile Company.
Allegedly coerced into paying Rs 5 crore as a “Service Fee,” Mr. Rai faced additional pressure when the jail authorities, dissatisfied with the payment, transferred him to a different cell. The pervasive nature of this scam persists, exemplified by the recent order for an investigation by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena regarding 85 Tihar inmates in cell number seven receiving special services in exchange for payments. Over the past few years, more than a hundred jail officials and personnel linked to various cases have faced suspension. Notably, the former Director General (DG) of Tihar Jail, Mr. Sandeep Goyal, was suspended over serious graft allegations two years ago.
Sources within Tihar Jail reveal that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) previously arrested Mr. Hari Om Rai, along with his manager and a Chinese national, on money laundering charges. Presently confined to cell number seven, these inmates are part of a series of cases where prisoners allegedly pay for “special services.” In Mr. Rai’s case, it is suggested that when authorities discovered his substantial net worth (estimated at around Rs 25000 crore), they intensified pressure for more money, prompting his transfer to cell number two.
Cell number two is notorious for housing serial offenders, and the transfer was purportedly orchestrated by senior officials, including an Inspector and a Sub-Inspector at Tihar Jail, to increase pressure on Mr. Rai. However, following the leak of this information two days later, he was abruptly moved back to cell number seven in a late-night decision. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials have reportedly brought the misconduct within Tihar jail to the attention of higher authorities, expressing concern over the case of Mr. Rai’s cell transfer.
