Devil’s Advocate continues ………….

The garments made by the inmates were novel in their design and of excellent quality. It looked like a fashion outlet in busy Karol Bagh, except for the absence of milling crowds.

Then there was the next big surprise: the prison bakery. I entered the huge baking hall and found the prisoners wearing white chef’s hats, transparent gloves and face masks, skillfully kneading dough, cutting out cookies, stuffing patties and baking bread, pastries and cakes.

The floor of the hall was spotless, and the machines and utensils shining clean. I thought to myself that the standards of hygiene here would easily put to shame those of the best restaurants and five-star hotels of the city! I was informed that all products made in the jail premises were retailed under the brand name TJ’s (Tihar Jail’s) and the brand had an impressive turnover with the potential to rise manifold. It was pleasing to know that every inmate was paid a daily wage, which they could spend on themselves or send home for the upkeep of their family.

I next visited the library, painting studio, hair salon and a medical room. I also saw convicts playing cricket in white flannels in a reasonably sized, open-air stadium. Someone in my entourage informed me that the jail had a well-established team called Tihar 11, which played club-level matches with outside teams.

The preconceived notion of a prison, with convicts in their striped black and white uniforms hammering at rocks, controlled by ruthless jail staff, disappeared. The place felt more like a retreat, an ashram—a serene expanse of tranquillity and peace.

I also ran into convicts whom I recognized from my long years in the Delhi Police and the CBI. Many had been arrested by police teams working under me.

To be Continued ………….