PrisonSecurity – Rajasthan High Court Questions Ajmer Jail Safety After Inmate Killing
PrisonSecurity – The Rajasthan High Court has raised serious questions over security arrangements in state prisons following the killing of former dacoit Jagan Gurjar inside Ajmer High Security Jail. Taking note of the incident during a hearing on prison reforms and inmate welfare, the court sought a detailed response from the Rajasthan government on how the crime occurred within a high-security facility.
Court Expands Prison Reform Proceedings
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma and Justice Manish Sharma was hearing a suo motu public interest case related to prison administration and the welfare of inmates. During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took suo motu cognisance of Gurjar’s death and widened the scope of the matter to include the alleged failure of jail security systems.
The court asked the state government to explain the sequence of events that led to the murder. It also sought details on the functioning of CCTV cameras, the availability of recorded footage, possible gaps in surveillance and whether any jail personnel had been held accountable.
Concerns Over CCTV Monitoring and Mobile Use
The bench expressed concern over reports of weak monitoring inside Rajasthan’s prisons. It questioned whether CCTV cameras were being used effectively and whether officials were maintaining live surveillance of barracks and other sensitive areas.
During the hearing, the judges referred to continuing reports of mobile phones being used from inside prisons. The court noted that threats had reportedly been issued to the Chief Minister from jail premises in the past and observed that organised criminal groups were still able to operate from behind bars.
The bench asked, “What is happening inside Rajasthan’s prisons?” while stressing the need for stronger supervision and a more reliable security framework.
Earlier Directions Not Fully Implemented
Amicus curiae Pratik Kasliwal told the court that previous directions aimed at improving prison safety had not been implemented properly. He said earlier reports had pointed to CCTV cameras that were not working and weak internet connectivity, both of which affected surveillance systems.
The court noted that such deficiencies could create serious risks for inmates, prison staff and the public. It said the wider inquiry would examine whether security measures ordered earlier had been put into practice and whether authorities had acted on identified shortcomings.
Jagan Gurjar Killed Inside Barrack
Jagan Gurjar was killed at Ajmer High Security Jail on June 29. According to the official account, Vishnu, an undertrial prisoner in a murder case, allegedly strangled Gurjar with a towel inside a jail barrack.
Prison staff reportedly discovered Gurjar’s body during routine rounds. Vishnu is said to have admitted to the crime after the incident. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances in which the alleged assault took place without being stopped or immediately detected.
The High Court said its review would cover prison surveillance, administrative responsibility and the broader system meant to prevent violence inside correctional facilities.
Family Seeks Independent Investigation
Gurjar’s family has questioned the official version of events and demanded an impartial investigation into his death. The family has sought clarity on how a fatal assault could occur inside a high-security jail and whether any lapses by prison authorities contributed to the incident.
The state government is expected to place its response before the court as the proceedings continue. The case has renewed attention on prison management, staff accountability and the need for effective monitoring systems across Rajasthan’s jails.