Tamil Nadu Police have launched a high-level investigation, headed by an officer of additional director general rank, into the role of seven constables from the 8th battalion of the state’s Special Police (TNSP) in the recent murder of gangster Tillu Tajpuriya in Tihar jail’s high-risk ward. The move is aimed at preserving the credibility and remarkable track record of the TNSP in maintaining security at Tihar, top officials said.
A week ago, Tajpuriya was stabbed to death by four members of the rival Gogi gang in a high-risk ward in Tihar jail, while prison guards reportedly stood by without intervening.
According to a top Tamil Nadu official, a preliminary probe has been conducted involving the TNSP constables who were suspended following the incident. “In their initial statements, they claimed to have been helpless during the incident as they were unarmed. However, they should have at least used their lathis to prevent the assault. Their justification is unacceptable, but it is also complex to hold them entirely accountable for what had happened there. The matter is under thorough investigation,” the official said.
CCTV footage from Tihar jail showed some police personnel standing at a distance during the attack on Tajpuriya. For several years, TNSP personnel have been deployed at Tihar jail, particularly to provide security in high-risk wards, along with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).