In a significant move to facilitate the extradition of high-profile fugitives, Delhi's Tihar Jail has undergone a major upgrade. Two special barracks have been fitted with modern amenities like bathing showers and western-style toilets, specifically intended to house around 20 fugitive economic offenders.
International Scrutiny Prompts Jail Makeover
This refurbishment comes directly after a team from the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) visited the prison in July 2025 to assess inmate conditions and overall security. The visit was crucial in the context of India's ongoing efforts to extradite individuals such as liquor baron Vijay Mallya, diamond trader Nirav Modi, and UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari. British courts have previously expressed concerns about prison conditions in India during extradition hearings for these figures.
Inside the Upgraded Barracks
Located within Jail No. 7, a facility dedicated to white-collar criminals, the two barracks each have a capacity for 10 inmates. A senior official revealed that these units are now equipped with a suite of facilities not commonly found in Tihar.
Key features of the upgraded barracks include:
- Bathing showers and tiled bathrooms
- Western-style toilets and wash basins
- 12-foot high, well-ventilated ceilings
- Mosquito nets to prevent insects
- Windows for ventilation and surrounding greenery
For security reasons, these barracks have been set up separately from the areas housing other prisoners. The Tihar administration has also sensitised its jail wardens and staff on the protocols for dealing with such high-profile inmates.
Aligning with Global Standards
The official stated that the modifications were carried out in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, a globally acknowledged blueprint for prison management adopted in 2015. This step is aimed at ensuring safety, security, and human dignity for the inmates.
Typically, most jails in the Tihar complex are equipped with Indian-style toilets and lack showers. Such modern facilities are usually provided only on the advice of doctors for inmates with specific medical conditions, making this upgrade particularly notable.
The entire preparation has been handled under the supervision of the Union Home Ministry, and UK Embassy officials have been informed. "They are free to inspect it in person, or, if they prefer, they can view the entire preparation through video conferencing," the official added.
When contacted, Director General of Delhi Prisons (Tihar), S B K Singh, confirmed the upgrades and mentioned that further legal procedures for the formal approval of these barracks are currently underway.
This development occurs against a backdrop of security concerns within Tihar, highlighted by incidents like the murders of gangsters Tillu Tajpuria and Prince Tewatia by rival gangs inside the prison in 2023. The prison system, which includes 16 jails like Rohini and Mandoli, currently houses over 19,000 inmates, far exceeding its sanctioned capacity.
