Sharjeel Imam is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in connection with February 2020 North-east Delhi riots. The JNU student alleges that he was assaulted by prison inmates and called a terrorist.
JNU student Sharjeel Imam, who is currently in Tihar jail claims other detainees best him. They even called him a terrorist during a search operation inside his cell. Sharjeel had previously alleged discrimination by jail staff during multiple court hearings. He is in judicial custody on account of his alleged role in the February 2020 North-east Delhi riots.
Imam’s lawyer has moved an application before a link judge at Karkardooma court on Monday. He urged the court to issue show cause notice to jail authorities for the illegal search and assault on Sharjeel. Authorities should also take steps to protect the applicant from any further assault/harassment. Jail authorities should also preserve the CCTV footage of the jail from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm on 30th June, it read. The linked judge has issued notice and will hear further on 14th July. The jail authorities will also file their report on that day, his lawyer said.
Jail Assistant Superintendent Complicit in Imam’s Assault: Defence Counsel
Police produced Sharjeel Imam at Karkardooma court on court on Monday. His application read:
“On June 30, the Assistant Superintendent, along with 8-9 convicts came to the applicant’s cell and searched. They threw away the applicant’s books and clothes. When Sharjeel protested and tried to prevent them from doing so, they assaulted him and called him anti-national. He then ‘requested the AS to prevent them from assaulting him. And the AS was present there but didn’t do anything. He watched as fellow convicts assaulted him again. Jail staff cannot search a cell with convicts and the AS was complicit in this illegal act.” Since “no contraband was recovered, the convicts suggested “placing some contraband to implicate him, Sharjeel said.
We will Inquire into these Allegations: Jail Official
The Indian Express approached a senior jail official regarding Sharjeel Imam’s accusations. He said:
“We have received information about the incident and will conduct an enquiry. We are looking into the allegations against jail officials and inmates. We also received a request to preserve the CCTV footage and will do the same”.
(inputs, Indian Express)
