In a significant move prompted by safety hazards, the Tihar Jail administration has decided to relocate 36 inmates from its semi-open prison facility to Mandoli Jail. The decision comes after repeated incidents where portions of the roof were falling, raising serious concerns among the prison population.
Why the Sudden Transfer Was Necessary
The primary catalyst for this transfer is the deteriorating infrastructure at Tihar's semi-open jail. According to sources within the prison system, sections of the roof have been collapsing frequently, leading inmates to formally voice their safety fears to the authorities. Faced with an immediate risk, the administration had no choice but to initiate a temporary relocation.
Officials have confirmed that repair work on the damaged structure has now begun. The transfer is viewed as an interim measure, with plans to shift all inmates back to Tihar once the renovation is complete. The actual movement of the 36 prisoners is expected to occur within the next few days.
Logistics and Loss of Privileges
In preparation for the shift, Tihar authorities have already sent all pertinent records of the affected inmates to Mandoli Jail. This comprehensive dossier includes:
- Conviction files
- Detailed medical reports
- All other relevant personal documents
Specific directives have been issued to the superintendent of Mandoli Jail No. 14 to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place. These instructions cover proper accommodation, continued wage payments for prison work, commuting facilities, and uninterrupted medical care.
However, this move comes with a major downgrade in living conditions for the transferred inmates. Mandoli Jail does not have a semi-open facility. Consequently, these individuals, who were previously enjoying relative freedom, will now be confined within the four walls of a standard closed cell.
The Significance of Tihar's Semi-Open Jail
The semi-open jail at Tihar is a privilege reserved for inmates with consistently good conduct. It offers a markedly different regime compared to the strict confinement of closed prisons.
In this facility, inmates benefit from:
- Free movement within the prison premises for work-related activities.
- The ability to move around the wider Tihar complex during approved hours.
- Access to on-campus facilities like offices, banks, restaurants, and the popular Tihar Haat as part of their daily routine and work assignments.
Despite these liberties, the system maintains strict discipline. Inmates must adhere to rigorous timelines and are required to return to their designated barracks by 5 pm every day without fail. The transfer to Mandoli means the loss of this earned privilege, a setback for inmates who had adapted to and benefited from the semi-open system's relative normalcy.
