India, Aug. 12 -- New Delhi

Expressing "astonishment" over an alleged extortion racket operating in connivance with officials at the Tihar jail, the Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file an FIR and investigate the allegations.

A bench of chief justice DK Upadhyay and justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that it was unacceptable that while the prison authorities failed to provide basic minimum needs to all inmates, those with money or influence were able to enjoy illegal benefits.

The judges issued the direction after perusing the CBI's preliminary enquiry (PE) report, which indicated the involvement of inmates and jail officials in numerous illegal and corrupt practices. The report was filed in...