Nirbhaya rape case: Former official reveals the procedure of hanging the convicts in Tihar Jail

Mangaluru: The four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case, Vinay, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh, are scheduled to be hanged at 5:30 am on March 20. The arrangements of execution of the rapists are underway in Tihar Jail.

Notably, authorities at Tihar jail have not executed multiple criminals together before.

In this regard, former Deputy Superintendent of Tihar Jail, Rex Thomas Lawrence D souza said, “While I was in the Tihar jail, I was involved in the process of hanging of three criminals. This is the first time ever that four criminals will be hanged together.”

Speaking to Udayavani, on the process of hanging of criminals, he said, “As soon as the death warrant reaches the jail, the criminals will be placed in ward-3. There are total of 8-10 single cells. Criminals can make their last wish a few days before the execution”

“These prisoners are monitored 24 hours a day. Only bedsheets are given to them. A warder is assigned to guard the criminals. Each day, three warders are assigned to look after one criminal, for 8 hours. These warders guard the room with a cane and alert the prisoners. These prisoners are not kept in the room all day, instead, everyday morning and evening the prisoners are made to exercise and walk in the cell yard.”, he added

He further said, “After the arrival of the death warrant, the officers go to the jail where the executioner is and request the officials of the jail to send him here. But no can go and bring the executioner here. The executioners must come and reside in the Tihar jail two days before the execution. Also, the food given to the prisoners must also be taken care of. The head warder, chooses from the food prepared for all the jail inmates and then gives it to these prisoners.”

“The ropes used for the execution will be brought one week before the execution and will be safely placed in the box after examination. Every night, the box is opened, and the ropes are examined”

Speaking on the process on the execution day, he said “Before the execution, Prison superintendents and deputy superintendents must examine the prisoners and the death warrant is read. After which the prisoners’ hands are tied at the back and they are taken to the execution pole. At this time, the head warder will be at the front along with 6 other warders. 2 warders will be in the front and 2 at the back and each warder on the left and right side will hold the hands of the prisoner and bring him to the execution pole. After their legs are tied, they will be handed over to the hangman. Their face will be covered with the black cloth as the rope is placed around their neck. Then, all the warders and officials must leave the place. The prisoners are then immediately hanged by the executioner by pulling the bolt. After leaving the body for half an hour, a medical officer comes and confirms that the prisoner is dead. In this case, there are chances that either all will be hanged together or one by one”

Last wish

Lawrence D’souza said that, “If a prisoner wishes to smoke before his execution then it is provided to him at government’s expense. One can also read books. The prisoner can also meet his close relative, a friend or even his lawyer before the execution”