NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to launch a preliminary inquiry into claims that Tihar Jail officials colluded with inmates to run an extortion racket. A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also tasked the Delhi government’s Principal Secretary (Home) with conducting a parallel administrative factfinding exercise. Hearing a petition filed by a former inmate, the court noted serious allegations of irregularities and “malpractices and misconduct” within Tihar’s walls. Emphasizing the gravity of the claims, the bench ordered: “Since the report (of inspecting judge) contained allegations of criminal activities, we deem it appropriate to require the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the matter,” the court held. The Principal Secretary, Home Department, was directed to identify officials responsible for “administrative and supervisory lapses.” The Director General of Delhi Prisons must fully cooperate. Both bodies must submit their findings by the next hearing, set for August 11, 2025. The court’s orders hinged on a sealed report from the inspecting judge of Central Jail No. 8 and the Semi-Open Prison. After a “thorough” investigation, this document allegedly exposed: Inmate-official collusion to extort money for illicit privileges Misuse of the jail’s landline by outsiders and inmates to facilitate these schemes Suspicious call-data records showing frequent contacts between inside and outside parties “The petition highlights certain irregularities, illegalities, malpractices and misconduct not only on part of the jail authorities but also inmates,” the bench observed, underlining the seriousness of the findings. The CBI’s probe will focus on the inspecting judge’s report as well as evidence submitted by both the petitioner and prison authorities. Once the agency receives all relevant documents from the court, it must: Verify the authenticity of calldata records and landline misuse Interview officials named in the report Examine any financial trails linked to the alleged racket Upon completion, the CBI will file its preliminary report before the court’s next appearance. Parallel Administrative Investigation Simultaneously, the Principal Secretary (Home) will conduct a fact-finding inquiry aimed at: Pinpointing specific administrative failures Naming officers or staff liable for supervisory lapses Recommending internal disciplinary or policy reforms The Director General of Delhi Prisons has been expressly instructed to extend “all cooperation” to this exercise.