NHRC seeks report on Tihar inmate's death

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Wednesday questioned the chief of Delhi's Tihar Jail on the death of an inmate while cleaning a sewer on the premises.

According to media reports, Bittoo, 40, died of suffocation while cleaning a sewer in jail number one May 15.

"The commission has sought a report in the matter within four weeks and asked director general (prison) to inform whether the inmates are asked to undertake risky jobs and if not name the official who deputed the inmates to clean the sewer line," said an official of the NHRC.

News reports stated that Bittoo along with four other inmates had entered a sewer with safety gears like helmet.

While the four people were rescued, Bittoo died of suffocation, the reports said.