Undertrial Killed in Delhi Court Lock-Up: Major Security Lapse Sparks Outrage
In a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through Delhi’s judicial and policing circles, a 24-year-old undertrial, Aman Poddar, was killed inside a crowded court lock-up at Saket courts complex on Wednesday morning. The brutal assault, allegedly carried out by two fellow inmates while police remained locked out of the room, has triggered sharp criticism and urgent calls for a review of custodial security protocols.
Shocking Details of the Assault
The incident took place in Kharja No. 5, one of the multiple rooms in the Saket court’s lock-up block. According to police sources, Jitender Singh and Jaidev Chand, both in their 30s and previously lodged at Tihar Jail, launched a sudden and deadly assault on Poddar as 37 undertrial inmates looked on.
Eyewitnesses stated that Singh and Chand began punching and kicking Poddar without provocation. A particularly forceful kick reportedly slammed Poddar’s head against a wall, causing him to collapse. Singh then allegedly pressed his foot against Poddar’s neck in an attempt to suffocate him.
By the time police outside managed to unlock the double-secured door, Poddar had already sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Old Enmity Turns Fatal
Investigations have revealed that the attack stemmed from an old grudge. Singh reportedly told police that Poddar had attacked him and his brother with a knife during a previous bail period in 2024. Despite this known hostility, all three inmates — Singh, Chand, and Poddar — were allowed to remain in the same lock-up, violating basic security segregation protocols.
While Singh was recently arrested in April for a snatching case, Chand was jailed for robbery last year. Poddar, a Govindpuri resident, had been in custody since 2017 for a murder case and was brought to court for a routine production hearing.
A senior police officer admitted, on condition of anonymity, that the three exchanged words while being transported earlier that morning, hinting at tension that could have been detected and prevented.
Questions Over Police Negligence
The Saket court’s lock-up, meant to house undertrials temporarily, has a maximum capacity of 40 inmates, with only one constable posted outside. On the morning of the incident, the room held 37 prisoners, and the outer staff belonged to the Third Battalion of Delhi Police.
“It took too long to open the lock. The officers were fumbling with keys as the incident unfolded. The entire attack took less than a minute,” said a court official who witnessed the aftermath.
Legal experts and bar members expressed grave concern over the violation of standard operating procedures. “Inmates with known rivalries or gang affiliations should never be placed together,” said a member of the Saket Bar Association.
“This is not just a security lapse, it’s a systemic failure,” said Anil Basoya, the Bar Association’s Secretary. “No weapons were used, but the fact that such a murder occurred under police custody inside a court complex is unprecedented and inexcusable.”
Police Action and Further Investigation
Delhi Police has registered a case of murder and initiated a detailed probe into the custodial lapse. Internal reviews are underway to determine why security protocols weren’t followed and whether negligence or procedural shortcuts led to Poddar’s death.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court may also take suo motu cognizance of the incident, given the seriousness of the breach and rising public concern over the safety of undertrials in custody.