Custodial death: Man hangs self in Tihar Jail

However, the family members of the deceased have alleged foul play by the jail authorities.

The deceased, Shirajuddin (38), was jailed in March 2014 for the murder of his own wife.

This is the second suicide case in Tihar Jail this month and third so far in 2014.

On Sunday evening, Shirajuddin (38) was found dead by other inmates of jail number eight in Tihar premises. He allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself on a thin rope, when other inmates were not around, said a source.

‘Shirajuddin was regularly harassed by the officials in the jail and this came into light when he sent the message to us through another inmate, Wasim, who was released recently,’ said Mohammed Akil, brother of the deceased.

He further said, ‘Wasim also informed me that Shirajuddin wanted to meet me this Tuesday (September 16) and lately he was being harassed by the jail officials more often.’

‘We also do not understand how a heavily-built man like Shirajuddin could hang himself with a thin rope like that,’ added Akil, who alleged that a few jail officials had fabricated the whole incident with the help of some inmates, who used to harass the deceased. His body had been shifted to the hospital by the time the family members reached the jail. 

Despite repeated attempts, no senior official of Tihar could be reached for comments.

Two suicide cases were reported from Tihar in the year 2013.  According to records, 20 suicide cases were reported from the Tihar Jail from 2001 to 2012.