The Rajasthan High Court has sought a detailed report from the state government and prison authorities on the murder of dacoit Jagan Gurjar inside Ajmer High-Security Jail, expressing grave concern over prison security failures and alleged criminal networks operating from within the state's jails. The case is being heard suo motu as part of an ongoing prison reforms matter.

Court's Key Directions

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma and Justice Manish Sharma directed the government to furnish a comprehensive account covering several critical points: whether CCTV cameras in the high-security jail recorded the incident, whether the surveillance system was functional at the time, whether any jail official has been held accountable, what steps have been taken to strengthen prison security, and what the prevailing conditions across Rajasthan's jails currently are.

The Court's directions came on 2 July during a hearing that laid bare systemic failures in prison administration that authorities have reportedly failed to address despite repeated judicial nudges.

What the Bench Observed

The Bench was pointed in its criticism of the prison administration. 'What is happening in the state's jails? CCTV cameras in the high-security jail are not recording properly, and there is no effective live monitoring system. Mobile phones are easily reaching inmates. Even the Chief Minister has received threats originating from inside prisons. Despite this, there has been no improvement,' the Court observed.

Amicus Curiae Prateek Kasliwal informed the Bench that the Court had repeatedly issued directions to upgrade prison infrastructure. He noted that a prior report had specifically flagged that several CCTV cameras in the high-security jail were either non-functional or disconnected from the surveillance network — findings the government had allegedly failed to act upon.

The Murder Inside Ajmer Jail

Notorious dacoit Jagan Gurjar was killed inside Ajmer High-Security Jail on 29 June. According to prison authorities, an accused identified as Vishnu — facing charges in the Kuldeep Jaghina murder case — allegedly strangled Gurjar with a towel inside the barrack.

During the evening lock-up, jail staff found Gurjar lying unconscious in his cell. Officials said Vishnu admitted to the killing when questioned, reportedly telling prison staff: 'I killed him.'

Broader Pattern of Prison Lawlessness

The Bench also referred to repeated reports of criminal networks operating from inside Rajasthan's prisons. Extortion calls and threats have continued to originate from within jail premises, according to the Court's observations. Notably, the judges pointed out that even the Rajasthan Chief Minister had allegedly received threats traced back to prison premises — underscoring the scale of the breakdown in institutional control.

This is not the first time the Court has flagged these concerns; the suo motu case on prison reforms has generated multiple directions over time, with compliance remaining a persistent issue.

What Happens Next

The Court has asked the state government and prison authorities to submit their response explaining the sequence of events and accountability measures taken post the murder. The matter is expected to come up for further hearing once the report is filed. With the judiciary now firmly focused on prison reform compliance, the pressure on the Rajasthan government to demonstrate tangible corrective action has sharply increased.