New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was sent to Tihar Jail after a court remanded him from judicial custody in the excise policy case, spends most of his time meditating, reading books and doing yoga in his cell. sources said on Thursday. .
Kejriwal, the first sitting chief minister to be incarcerated in Asia’s largest prison, is housed in a 14-by-8-foot room in the third general ward of Tihar’s second prison.
Prison officials said Kejriwal spends most of his day reading books and practices yoga and meditation twice a day.
“He does yoga and meditation for about an hour and a half every morning and evening,” an official said.
Among the books offered to him are the Hindu epics “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” and “How a Prime Minister Makes Decisions.”
“He is often seen reading these books and writing something while sitting on a chair in his cell,” the source said.
Prison officials said Kejriwal can also read books in the inmate library. But for now, he says he’s not looking for another book.
Officials say the prime minister’s cell is equipped with a 20-channel TV, but he does not like to watch much TV.
Officials said tables, chairs and electric kettles were provided as per the court’s instructions.
They were also given brooms, buckets and rags to clean their cells, which are provided to all inmates according to the prison manual.
Tihar authorities can monitor him 24 hours a day through two surveillance cameras installed inside the cell. Officials said there is a small space outside the cell called a lobby where people can stretch and walk.
For security reasons, Kejriwal is prohibited from meeting other inmates. A rapid response team comprising Central Reserve Police and Tamil Nadu Special Police personnel has been deployed outside the ward round the clock.
“Every time he goes to see his lawyer every day, a QRT officer accompanies him,” the source said.
A police officer said tea and home-cooked meals were served on time every day, adding: “Mr. Kejriwal has not requested anything else so far.”
(issued April 4, 2024, 06:19 IST)
