Disclaimer : The events discussed in this in-depth interview are solely based on the book "Black Warrant," authored by former Tihar Jail legal advisor Sunil Gupta and journalist Sunetra Chaudhary. All facts presented in this interview are documented in the book.
ਇਸ ਇੰਟਰਵਿਊ ਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਜ਼ਿਕਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਉਹ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਤਿਹਾੜ ਜੇਲ੍ਹ ਦੇ ਸਾਬਕਾ ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਸਲਾਹਕਾਰ ਸੁਨੀਲ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਤਰਕਾਰ ਸੁਨੇਤਰਾ ਚੌਧਰੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਲਿਖੀ ਗਈ ਕਿਤਾਬ "ਬਲੈਕ ਵਾਰੰਟ" ਉੱਤੇ ਆਧਾਰਿਤ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਇੰਟਰਵਿਊ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਸਾਰੇ ਤੱਥ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਰਜ ਹਨ।
Concise Overview of the Podcast:
In this engaging video podcast on the Address It channel, former legal advisor and Tihar Jail warden (Jailer) Sunil Gupta discusses his book "Black Warrant" with Editor-in-Chief Lankesh Trikha. After leaving his job at the railways, Sunil embarked on a challenging career at Tihar Jail, facing criticism from his family regarding his role. He shares gripping excerpts from "Black Warrant," particularly highlighting the chapter about the assassins of Indira Gandhi. Sunil details the complicated situation when Satwant Singh, one of the assassins, was brought to jail—injured after being shot by an ITBP officer. This period in Delhi was marked by intense anti-Sikh sentiment, leading to heightened security for Sikh prisoners in Tihar. A special court was established within Tihar Jail to trial Satwant Singh, Kehar Singh, and Balbir Singh.
In light of Satwant Singh's injuries, a healthcare center was set up within Tihar Jail specifically for him, with doctors and staff monitoring him around the clock. Sunil Gupta recounts a notable incident when Satwant's father was caught bringing opium into the jail. Although he had the option to file a case, Gupta chose to let it go. He also discusses the topic of black warrants, revealing that he was responsible for eight black warrants that led to executions in Tihar Jail. Gupta vividly describes the chilling atmosphere of the phansi kothi where hangings took place, explaining that prisoners dreaded entering that area. He mentions two executioners, Kaalu and Fakira, there was a tradition of offering alcohol to the hangmen before carrying out executions.