New Delhi, March 12: Terming the death of a prime accused in the Delhi gangrape case in Tihar Jail as a "major lapse", Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Monday said preliminary information suggested that he had committed suicide.
Talking to mediapersons here, Shide said a magisterial inquiry had been ordered into the incident.
"Let us wait for report. Details will come in it. Certainly a grave incidence. Not a small incident," Shinde said.
Ram Singh, 35, the alleged mastermind of the Delhi gang-rape that shook India, reportedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail here Monday morning. His family alleged he was murdered.
Terming the case as "most crucial", Shinde said the jail authorities had no input that "such thing will happen."
"I agree, (it is) a major lapse," Shinde said.
Replying to queries, Shinde said preliminary information suggested it was a suicide.
"There is need to inquire," he said.
Asked about allegations that Ram Singh was murdered, Shinde said an inquiry had been ordered.