Patna's Beur Jail under Siege; Security Alert Issued
Patna: Dec. 18, 2007
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Beur Jail under Siege
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Photo by Shashi Uttam |
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Dozens of Maoists, on Tuesday, took partial control of Patna's so-called model Beur Jail in protest against the recent suicide of a notorious criminal and a leftist extremist Nagina Manjhi while also threatening to kill anyone who came in their way, officials in Patna said.
As reported, a segment of the jail housing mostly extreme left wing ultras remains under siege after prisoners assaulted an under-armed guard and freed many Naxalites from their cells including the Jehanabad jail break mastermind and dreaded Maoist Ajay Kanu.
Security in and around jail has been beefed up as additional force has been brought in from other areas in the event the prisoners try to pull a Jehanabad-like shootout and escape.
A dozen or so inmates were said to be hurt in the melee inside the prison though officials deny any serious injury.
Senior police officials were trying to engage the prisoners in a negotiation though the situation appeared far from being in control.
As reported, 40-year old Nagina Manjhi, a Maoist commander with several killings to his credit, committed suicide by hanging himself from the iron gate of the jail infirmary last Friday.
His supporters blamed the jail officials for ignoring the falling health condition of Manjhi and went on a hunger strike on Sunday demanding a full investigation into his death.
On Monday, several Naxalites, in full public view marched with the body of Manjhi and demanded actions against jail officials.
Meanwhile, a red alert has been issued in all districts to stay prepared for any jail uprsing or possible attempt to blow up jails from outside.
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