New Delhi, Feb 21: Jolted by the dramatic escape of Phoolan Devi murder accused Sher Singh Rana from the high-security Tihar jail here, the Delhi government is contemplating replacing officers below the rank of DG Prisons by more competent ones. Delhi chief secretary Shailja Chandra told that the step contemplated was part of a massive overhauling of the jail`s security system.
When asked whether immediate action against any senior officer of Tihar jail was in the offing, she said the government would do that only after getting report of the magisterial inquiry into the escape, which was expected on February 24.
Chandra said the government had formed expert committees to suggest modernisation of the jail security system. These committees may also take the help of foreign experts, she added.
The old practice of districts magistrates inspecting jails was also being revived. The divisional commissioners have been told to give the charge of one jail to each DM and ask them to visit it at regular intervals.
She also said all Delhi government employees presently posted at the jail would be screened and then retained or replaced accordingly and added that biodata and service record of the Delhi government employees working in jails were being studied for the purpose, said Chandra.
The jail authorities had yesterday shifted 75 Tihar jail wardens in connection with Rana`s escape. Earlier, three jail officials were suspended immediately following the incident.
Meanwhile, the Delhi police is focussing on interrogating the Tihar jail staff, which could provide a lead in solving the case.
Jail documents were being scrutinized thoroughly and officials concerned quizzed intensively.
Police teams have also raided several places in Uttranchal and Uttar Pradesh.
Rana had managed to walk out of the high-security central jail here last Tuesday with the help of his associates posing as policemen.
Bureau Report