Tihar Jail, Criminals, Smuggling, Nirbhaya Case & VIP Treatment - Jailor Deepak | FO175 Raj Shamani

This episode of Figuring Out dives into the realities of life behind bars, featuring an insightful conversation with Deepak Sharma, a Jailor ASP at Tihar Jail. Sharma, also a fitness enthusiast and content creator, shares his experiences and sheds light on the often-unseen aspects of the Indian prison system. From the daily routines of inmates to the complex networks criminals operate from within, this discussion offers a unique perspective.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian prison system faces challenges like overcrowding and the need for better staff-to-inmate ratios.
• Criminals often use visits from family and lawyers to pass messages and maintain their networks.
• While phones are now jammed, communication methods have evolved.
• The Nirbhaya case execution involved meticulous planning and emotional toll.
• Prisoners with good conduct can access amenities like television.
• Smuggling of items like phones and drugs into prisons remains a persistent issue.
• There's a need for faster judicial processes to address overcrowding.
• Gang wars and rivalries continue to be a problem within prisons.
• Public trust in the police is a concern, though positive interactions do occur.
• Jailors face challenges with low pay and fewer rewards compared to punishments.

The Reality of Prison Staff

Deepak Sharma begins by addressing the perception of police officers, contrasting the movie portrayals with the actual ground reality. He highlights that in Tihar Jail, Asia's largest, a single constable often manages 80 to 100 inmates. The system relies heavily on strict adherence to rules and procedures, especially given the significant disparity between staff and inmate numbers. Sharma notes that while some states struggle with discipline and jailbreaks, Tihar maintains a high level of order. The staff's role is critical in managing inmates, including those awaiting trial and convicted individuals, where their behaviour impacts remission and sentencing considerations.

Inside the Criminal Network

Sharma explains how criminals continue to operate their networks from within prison. While 5G jammers have significantly curbed phone usage, communication still happens. Messages are often passed through visitors during meetings, or through family members who are involved in the criminal activities. He mentions that some criminals conduct extensive research on officials to influence them, using personal information and flattery to their advantage. This strategic approach helps them maintain connections and continue their operations even while incarcerated.

The Nirbhaya Case and Execution

A significant part of the discussion revolves around Sharma's involvement in the Nirbhaya case. He recounts the events leading up to the execution, including the last-minute legal challenges that kept the inmates and staff in suspense. Sharma describes the process of preparing the inmates for execution, the final requests they made, and the emotional weight of the situation. He clarifies that while inmates can request certain legitimate last wishes, the process is strictly governed by rules. The execution itself involved a medical examination, the declaration of death by a doctor, and the subsequent transfer of bodies for post-mortem.

Life Inside: VIP Treatment and Daily Routines

Sharma addresses the notion of VIP treatment for certain criminals. He clarifies that amenities like televisions are provided to inmates with good conduct records and who do not have serious charges like terrorism or murder against them. This is seen as a way to keep inmates occupied and reduce the risk of depression or unrest. The daily routine for inmates involves headcounts, prayers, yoga, and sometimes physical activities. Those with court appearances are taken for trials, while others remain within the jail premises. The system ensures basic needs are met, but the reality is far from the luxurious portrayals sometimes seen in media.

Challenges and Improvements Needed

Overcrowding is a major issue in Indian jails, with many facilities operating beyond their capacity. Sharma suggests that faster judicial trials and the implementation of measures like shifting hardcore criminals to different regions could help alleviate this problem. He also touches upon the issue of smuggling, admitting that while efforts are made to prevent it, items like drugs, small weapons (like blades), and phones are still smuggled in, often through body cavities or during transit. The limited number of women's jails in India is also noted, though the safety and operational standards within them are comparable to men's facilities.

Gangs, Crime Trends, and Public Trust

The conversation also covers the rise of organized gangs, like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which have formed networks across different states. Sharma explains how these gangs collaborate, sharing resources and executing crimes in different regions. He identifies petty theft and snatching as the most common crimes, while serious offences like gang rapes are rarer, partly due to increased police and judicial vigilance. Regarding public trust in the police, Sharma acknowledges a deficit, often stemming from the perception that the system doesn't always work in favour of the common person. However, he also points to instances, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, where police actions fostered goodwill and trust.

Jailor's Salary and Perks

Sharma discusses the salary of a jailor, estimating it to be around ₹1 lakh per month. He highlights that while the pay is decent, the job comes with significant risks and fewer rewards. He mentions receiving a ₹5,000 cash reward for his role in the Nirbhaya case, illustrating the disparity between the gravity of the work and the recognition. While medical facilities are provided for employees and their families, the process can be cumbersome, with reimbursements often delayed. The lack of significant perks like company cars or readily available housing is also noted, though government accommodation or house rent allowance is an option. The pension system has shifted to the National Pension System (NPS), where contributions are matched by the government, providing a retirement corpus.