AIADMK bribery case: High Court seeks Tihar report on middleman's torture claim

New Delhi, July 24 : The Delhi High Court on Monday sought response from city government and Tihar Jail authorities regarding a plea filed by Sukesh Chandrashekar, an accused in the Election Commission bribery case, alleging custodial torture in the jail.

Justice Ashutosh Kumar issued notice to the Delhi government and Tihar Jail authority while seeking their response by August 22 on the plea of Chandrashekar, alleged middleman and sidelined AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran's aide.

Chandrashekar alleged being strip-searched and tortured by jail officials while he was lodged in a high-risk ward here. He alleged of being tortured in connivance with Tamil Nadu Special Police, whose personnel guard the Tihar Jail, as he was supporting the rival faction of the AIADMK.

The court asked jail authority to ensure that Chandrashekhar is not tortured in custody and sought CCTV footage of the area where he was lodged.

Chandrashekar, who was arrested on April 16, was denied bail by the high court on June 14.

Recently, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has filed chargesheet alleging that Chandrashekar had conspired with Dhinakaran to bribe the Election Commission officials to get the 'two leaves' symbol for the Sasikala-led AIADMK (Amma) faction.