The Director General of Tihar Jail, Sanjay Baniwal, addressed concerns regarding the treatment of inmates, highlighting that all prisoners, whether hardcore criminals or normal inmates, receive the same basic rights. He stressed that there is no special treatment for any specific individual and that the jail ensures equal treatment for all.
In response to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's allegations that Arvind Kejriwal was not receiving proper amenities in jail, Baniwal reiterated that there is no differentiation between inmates and that the jail manual does not categorize prisoners based on their offense. With a total of 20,000 inmates in Tihar Jail, Baniwal stated that every individual, including Kejriwal, is entitled to certain basic rights and facilities.
Regarding Kejriwal's activities in jail, Baniwal clarified that the chief minister is allowed to sign legal papers, personal complaints, letters to family members, and property documents, but political documents are prohibited. Additionally, Baniwal mentioned that Kejriwal can have visitors, including cabinet ministers, and can meet them either in person or through video conferencing, with specific guidelines on the number of permitted visitors per week and month.
Baniwal also addressed concerns about Kejriwal's health, stating that the chief minister's health parameters are improving and that efforts are being made to ensure his well-being while in custody. He mentioned the availability of medical facilities, drug de-addiction centers, and psychological support for inmates with various health issues, emphasizing the jail's commitment to providing access to healthcare services for all prisoners in an equitable manner.