'Om' engraved on prisoner's back, Tihar initiates inquiry

New Delhi: Tihar jail has initiated a DIG-level inquiry after a Muslim prisoner has alleged that he has been burn stamped with 'Om' by a jail Superintendent.

The inmate Nabbir alias popa, who was recently shifted to Tihar from Mandoli jail because of his notorious behaviour made serious allegations against the superintendent of jail no-4.

He took off his shirt before the duty magistrate in Karkardooma court and showed her the symbol 'Om' burn marked on his back allegedly by the Superintendent who he said was annoyed after the repeated complains about non-functioning induction cooker provided by the jail.

He also alleged that he was denied food for two days. After his family informed his counsel, the counsel moved an application in the court.

The court then issued a notice to Tihar authorities and asked for an explanation from Director General of the jail. Nabbir, a resident of Seemapuri is lodged in Tihar in an arms supply case. In an order calling for an enquiry, the court said, "The allegations raised by the accused are of serious nature and required immediate intervention… a notice is being issued to DGP, Prisoner, Head Quarter, Jail No. 4, New Delhi to get the medical examination of accused Nabbir conducted with immediate effect and also to make enquiry report regarding the burn imprinted 'Om' mark on the accused."

The court has also ordered the jail authorities to provide CCTV footage and statement by other jail inmates.

"As a precautionary measure, we have shifted him from Jail number 4 to jail number one in the high-security ward. We have initiated a DIG-level inquiry into the matter and a report would be submitted at the earliest to the honourable court," said DG Prisons, Ajay Kashyap.