Foreign Detainees Take Staff Hostage at Delhi's Lampur Detention Center
New Delhi's Lampur detention centre became the scene of a dramatic hostage situation on March 16, when a group of foreign detainees allegedly held 10-12 staff members captive, including medical and security personnel. The incident, which unfolded during a routine visit, escalated into violence with stone-pelting that left four officials injured.
Hostage Situation Unfolds During Routine OPD Visit
According to the complaint filed by the centre's in-charge, the crisis began around 11:30 AM when a doctor on duty, accompanied by two prison officials, entered the detention block for a routine outpatient department (OPD) visit. The detainees allegedly locked them inside and prevented their exit. When the in-charge and additional staff arrived to control the situation, they too were trapped, creating what authorities described as a hostage-like scenario.
The FIR states that despite repeated communication attempts and requests, the detainees refused to cooperate. A PCR call was made to Narela police station, prompting local police to rush to the scene. An official from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) was summoned to address the detainees' concerns, but they allegedly still refused to release the captive staff members.
Violent Escalation and Rescue Operation
After prolonged efforts, police intervention finally secured the release of the trapped staff. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly during and after the rescue operation. The detainees allegedly became aggressive, engaging in physical scuffles with officials before resorting to pelting stones and brick pieces at both staff members and police personnel.
The violent outburst resulted in injuries to four officials: a head warder and a warder suffered hand injuries, an Intelligence Bureau security assistant sustained a head injury, and an FRRO assistant sub-inspector was injured in the hand. All required medical attention following the incident.
Legal Action and Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case at Narela police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 221: Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
- Section 132: Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from duty
- Section 127: Wrongful confinement
- Section 121: Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant
- Section 110: Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- Section 3(5): Common intention
The FIR identifies the individuals involved in the incident as detained Nigerian nationals, many of whom have been specifically named. Authorities are conducting further investigations to determine the exact sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the dramatic escalation at the detention facility.
This incident raises significant concerns about security protocols and detainee management at immigration detention facilities in the national capital region. The Lampur detention centre, which houses foreign nationals awaiting deportation or resolution of their immigration status, now faces scrutiny regarding its operational procedures and staff safety measures.
