CBI Probes Alleged Extortion Racket in Delhi's Prisons

CBI has recorded the statement of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar regarding an extortion racket operating within Delhi's prisons. Chandrasekhar alleges senior prison officials extorted Rs 12.5 crore from him. A preliminary enquiry seeks to establish if the allegations warrant a formal FIR.

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recorded the statement of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar concerning an extortion racket supposedly running from Tihar Jail and other prisons in Delhi, officials announced on Thursday.

Officials stated that the agency secured permission from a special court on August 30 to interrogate Chandrasekhar, who faces numerous charges of extorting money, within the prison. This preliminary enquiry aims to determine if sufficient prima facie evidence exists to file a formal First Information Report (FIR).

Chandrasekhar had lodged a complaint with the CBI director through his lawyer on March 11, 2022, accusing then Director General of Prisons Sandeep Goel and other senior prison officials of extorting Rs 12.5 crore from his associates between December 2019 and June 2022 in exchange for protection and a comfortable stay. He claimed he previously reported this to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police, but no action was taken due to the alleged involvement of high-ranking officers.

(With inputs from agencies.)