Lifer at Tihar dies, SDM inquiry oordered

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) A 32-year-old lifer at the high-security Tihar Jail here died this morning under mysterious circumstances, reportedly due to gang rivalry.

Raj Singh, in jail since March 1999 for a dacoity and murder case, was convicted in May 2003. He died this morning at Deen Dayal Upadhayay Hospital, according to a senior police official.

''He was being treated for psychiatric problems by the jail doctor for some time at Jail No 2, where he was lodged. Yesterday evening after his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to DDU Hospital where he died this morning at about 0515 hrs,'' the official informed.

Yesterday, Singh complained of nausea and abdominal pain after which he was referred to Jail No 3 hospital and later to DDU, he added.

Denying any foul play, the official said, ''it could be a case of drug overdose as he was undergoing treatment for peptic ulcer and psychiatric problems.'' However, an inquiry has been ordered by SDM Rajouri Garden, said the official.

Meanwhile, sources said Raj Singh, booked for life, died after rivals attacked him, which Tihar officials denied.

UNI