A 24-year-old undertrial prisoner, identified as Aman, was killed on Thursday inside the Saket Court lock-up in South Delhi. The shocking incident occurred in Kharja No. 5 of the facility, where multiple undertrial prisoners were being held ahead of their scheduled court appearances.
According to Delhi Police officials, Aman sustained fatal injuries after being assaulted by two fellow inmates, Jitender, also known as Jitte, and Jaidev, alias Baccha. Police suspect that a past altercation between Aman and Jitender may have led to the deadly attack. The two, along with Jaidev, were all brought to the court from Tihar Jail No. 8 for separate legal proceedings.
The conflict between Aman and Jitender reportedly dates back to a violent episode in 2024. At the time, Aman had allegedly attacked Jitender and his brother with a knife while they were outside prison custody. Authorities believe this old dispute fueled the tension that ultimately escalated into a fatal confrontation behind bars.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Ankit Chauhan, confirmed in a public statement that the incident took place while Aman was in judicial custody for production before the court. The victim was rushed for emergency medical attention immediately after the assault, but was declared dead during treatment. His body has since been sent for post-mortem examination.
Police Initiates Investigation into the Matter
Law enforcement officials are treating the case as a homicide and have initiated a murder investigation. “The rivalry seems to have intensified during their time in custody, eventually leading to this tragic outcome,” said DCP Chauhan.
The attack unfolded despite the presence of several other undertrial inmates in the lock-up, raising questions about the security and monitoring protocols in place. Investigators are now examining whether any lapses occurred in the handling of high-risk prisoners with known histories of animosity.
In a separate but equally alarming incident on the same night, two unidentified suspects were wounded in a police encounter near the BRT corridor at the Sheikh Sarai Red Light. According to police, the two men who were riding a motorcycle opened fire on officers after being flagged down. A brief gunfight ensued, resulting in injuries to both suspects. They were quickly detained and taken to a hospital for treatment.
While the police have not yet disclosed the identities of the men involved in the shootout, the matter remains under active investigation, with further updates expected.
Back at Saket Court, the violent killing of Aman inside the lock-up has prompted renewed scrutiny over inmate safety and the management of internal rivalries within judicial custody. Authorities have promised a thorough probe into the matter to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
