Tillu Tajpuria murder: Delhi HC issues notice on gangster's plea for custody parole, interim bail for marriage

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police on gangster Yogesh Tunda’s plea challenging the trial court’s order. Tunda sought six hours of custody parole for his marriage and three weeks’ interim bail for rituals and conjugal rights. Tunda is one of the accused in the murder of rival gang leader Tillu Tajpuria within the Tihar Jail.

Justice Amit Mahajan issued notice on Tunda’s plea and listed the matter for further hearing on March 1. The plea was dismissed by Special Judge (MCOCA) Chanderjit Singh of Patiala House Courts, who stated that the right to procreation is not absolute and necessitates careful examination.

The trial court had held that it is not an irrefutable right, considering the previous conduct of the accused, including forging documents for bail. The Delhi Police stated that the gang has 60 cases against it, with a history of escaping police custody.

Advocates for Tunda argued that the marriage plans were verified, and they sought six hours of custody parole followed by interim bail for a suitable period. However, the prosecution opposed the plea, citing a strong apprehension that Tunda might flee from the law.

The court had also noted that the proposed marriage was fixed while Tunda was in custody, and cited a Delhi High Court case, Kundan Singh v State, to distinguish between the rights of a convict and an under-trial in matters of procreation. The application was dismissed in light of the accused’s conduct and the potential risk of flight from the legal process.

Tajpuriya, 33, was stabbed over 90 times to death, and the other arrested accused persons are Deepak Dabas, Rajesh Bawana, Riyaz Khan, Ata-ul-Rehman, and Chavanni. Tajpuriya, a resident of Tajpur Kalan on the outskirts of Delhi, was lodged in Tihar Jail under tight security measures. He was an accused in the 2021 Rohini court shootout in which gangster Jitender Gogi was killed.