Undertrial rape accused tries to rape doctor by hiding in Delhi jail washroom

In a shocking incident, an inmate of Mandoli jail in Delhi allegedly attempted to rape a woman resident doctor employed at the prison. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued a notice to the Director General of Prisons in this regard. 

As per sources, the accused is an undertrial prisoner lodged in the jail in a rape case. He hid himself in the bathroom and allegedly attempted to rape the female doctor.

“The complainant has submitted that she went to use the ladies washroom on 26.09.2022 when she found that the accused who was a prison inmate was already hiding in a nearby cubicle. The accused is an undertrial prisoner who was lodged in the jail in a rape case,” the DCW said in a letter. 

“The complainant had medically treated this prisoner before at the jail. The complainant has stated that the prisoner jumped at her from behind and attempted to rape her. Somehow, the complainant managed to escape and alert the security staff,” the letter undersigned by DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal stated.  

The commission described the matter as very serious which ‘raises the issue of safety and security of the women staff working in jails where male inmates are housed’. 

The commission has sought the copy of FIR registered in the matter, enquiry report by jail authorities, steps taken by authorities to ensure the safety of its female staff in the jails of Delhi so for, action that has now been taken/shall be taken after the stated incident by the authorities in jails in Delhi to ensure safety of its female staff. 

Besides, the penal also sought details of the Internal Complaints Committee constituted under the 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013' since 2018 till date in each jail in Delhi, details of the chairperson, members and external members of the ICC along with copy of order through which the committee has been constituted and copies of complaints received till date along with action taken in each case. 

“Considering the gravity of the matter, please provide the sought information to the Commission latest by 03.10.2022,” the commission added.