Tihar Jail, South Asia’s largest prison complex, is set to be relocated. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while presenting the 2025-26 budget, allocated Rs 10 crore for the relocation and related expenses. The high-security prison, home to several criminals, will be shifted to the outskirts of the national capital.
To tackle overcrowding and improve conditions for prisoners, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a plan to relocate the Tihar Jail complex in her 2025-26 budget speech. The new facility will be developed at a different location to decongest the existing prison.
Tihar Jail, established in 1958, was initially managed by Punjab despite being in West Delhi. It came under Delhi’s control in 1966. Designed to hold 10,026 prisoners, the prison now houses around 19,500, leading to severe overcrowding. Spread over 400 acres, the facility has long struggled with cramped cells and inadequate space for inmates.
A source from Tihar Jail told PTI that the authorities had previously sought land in Baprola, but due to encroachment, the request couldn’t be fulfilled. They have now written to the Delhi government, requesting 100 acres of land for relocation.
The source talked about the severe overcrowding in the jail, stating that Jail Numbers 1 to 9 were designed for around 5,000 prisoners, but currently they contain over 12,000. Similarly, Jail Numbers 10 to 16, meant for 3,700 prisoners, are accommodating more than 3,900.
Jail Number 4 in Tihar and Jail Number 12 in Mandoli are designated as ‘Mulaija Jails’ for first-time offenders, but they too are facing an influx of prisoners.
About Tihar Jail prisoners
Tihar Jail has been home to several high-profile prisoners, including political leaders and activists. AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with his party colleagues Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendar Jain, were jailed here in connection with the Delhi Liquor Policy case.
Other infamous persons include gangster Chhota Rajan, once an ally of Dawood Ibrahim, who was jailed for multiple crimes, including murder. Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav served a 14-year sentence here for the fodder scam. International serial killer Charles Sobhraj was also imprisoned in Tihar, from where he famously escaped before being recaptured in Goa.
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