Life Inside Tihar Jail: A Glimpse into the Real Stories
A web series based on the true incidents related to Tihar Jail is set to release on Netflix, titled ‘Black Warrant’. The show is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and stars Jahan Kapoor, the grandson of Shashi Kapoor, in the lead role. The series is based on the life and stories of former Tihar Jail jailer Sunil Kumar Gupta.
Sunil Gupta’s Journey as a Jailer
Sunil Gupta worked as a jailer and legal officer in Tihar Jail for about 25 years. Before taking the job, he worked in Railways for a year but left due to the transfer policy. He participated in a competition for a job in Tihar and was selected as an Assistant Superintendent. Gupta was initially rejected in the first round due to his thin physique but was later selected after convincing the officials.
Politicians in Tihar Jail
Sunil Gupta shared stories about politicians who visited Tihar Jail, including Mulayam Singh Yadav, who came to meet an MLA. Gupta revealed that politicians often make demands for special treatment, including separate cells, outside food, and face-to-face meetings with visitors. He shared an incident where he had to explain the rules to Mulayam Singh Yadav, who eventually agreed to follow the regulations.
Prisoners Using Phones in Tihar Jail
Sunil Gupta discussed how prisoners use phones in Tihar Jail, despite the installation of mobile jammers. He explained that prisoners are often clever and find ways to use phones, especially at night when the jammers are less effective. Gupta also mentioned that some prisoners lure jail staff into helping them use phones.
The Hanging of Afzal Guru
Sunil Gupta was in charge of Afzal Guru’s hanging and shared the details of the incident. He revealed that Afzal Guru knew him and had written a letter to his wife before the hanging, asking her to complete their son’s education and maintain peace. Gupta also shared that Afzal Guru sang a patriotic song from a Sanjeev Kumar film before being hanged.
Afzal Guru’s Last Moments
Sunil Gupta shared that Afzal Guru looked into his eyes as he was being hanged and that he started crying after the incident. Gupta also revealed that he had to bury Afzal Guru’s body in the jail, along with his mentor Mohammad Maqbool Bhat. The incident had a profound impact on Gupta, who remembered Afzal Guru’s words about seeing kindness in his eyes.