Two groups clash in Tihar, FIR registered; not a gang war, claim police

AN FIR has been registered after two groups of prisoners clashed in Tihar's jail no. 3 earlier this week in "a quest for supremacy within the jail's hierarchy", said police on Thursday.

According to the FIR, 25- yearold complainant Deepak ( an undertrial prisoner) claimed that seven undertrial prisoners, including him, had allegedly clashed on Monday morning over the former meeting a Takkar Gang member, Dharmendar Dari, "too often". This escalated when a member of the rival gang brandished an improvised knife and attempted to slash Deepak and his associates, the complainant added.

Three undertrial prisoners — identified as Bhupesh, Dharmendar, and Deepak — had attacked the group of four fellow inmates — Deepak ( the complainant), Dinesh, Dheeraj, and Durgesh — said police. Deepak and his associates sustained minor injuries on their chest, waist, and stomach during the incident; and were admitted to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and later discharged.

Deputy Commissioner of Police ( West) Vichitra Veer said: "We will check where they got the weapon from."

Director General ( Prisons) Sanjay Beniwal, meanwhile, clarified: "No gang war is suspected, and the attack took place in a bid to establish supremacy. The four injured have been discharged from hospital..."

An FIR has been registered against the accused under Indian Penal Code sections 324 ( voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 34 ( acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), said police, adding that further investigation is underway.

In a similar incident, Tihar came under fire in 2023 over the killing of gangsters Tillu Tajpuria and Prince Tewatia.