LeT terrorist's escape: What goes inside Srinagar Central Jail?
Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Naveed Jat was to escape sooner than later. He had help - from local militants, his colleagues in Pakistan, and also Srinagar Central Jail, where he was lodged. With a brazen disregard for rules, the jail is reportedly a haven for terrorists. Inmates have easy access to smartphones, internet connectivity and mutton delicacies, according to a Times of India report. Here's more.
How did Naveed escape?
Naveed, also called Abu Hanzulla, escaped from Srinagar's Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHSH) on Tuesday after a gunfight, which killed two constables. He and five other prisoners were brought to SMHSH for a checkup on the recommendation of Dr. Zeenat. Naveed, who was responsible for several killings, including those of a cop and a CRPF jawan in 2013, was nabbed in 2014.
Use of smartphones, meeting visitors common
Convicted terrorists openly use smartphones inside the jail to orchestrate terror attacks with their associates. As per TOI, the 2010 unrest was planned by separatist Masarat Alam on telephonic conversations from within the central jail. Several devotees regularly visit another inmate, Qasim Faktu or Ashiq Faktu, who is serving life imprisonment for killing activist HN Wanchoo. Hailed as a godman, he gives them taveez.
The jail staff helped Naveed flee, suspect investigators
Despite blatant flouting of the rules, jail authorities and the state government choose not to take action. In fact, the investigators reportedly believe that entire jail staff conspired to help Naveed escape. According to TOI, jail superintendent Hilal Ahmad Rather, jail pharmacist Mansoor Ahmad and jail medical officer Dr Zeenat Nizami played key roles in fleeing Naveed.
Jail superintendent suspended; pharmacist, medical officer removed from duty
Hilal was suspended by the state government on Thursday. However, he is to remain attached with Director General of Police, Prisons, till further notice. Hilal's suspension comes a day after Dr Zeenat and Mansoor Ahmad were sacked for security breach.
