Undertrial inmate fires hidden pistol at guard during jail festival, prompting suspensions
Undertrial detainee Nilesh Thakur shot guard Digvijay Singh Tomar with a pistol concealed in a fruit basket during a Raksha Bandhan event at Raisen District Jail, leaving the guard critically injured and resulting in the acting superintendent's suspension.
In Raisen District Jail, an undertrial prisoner named Nilesh Thakur concealed a pistol inside a basket of fruits brought for a Raksha Bandhan celebration and shot guard Digvijay Singh Tomar as the guard approached the main gate. The bullet struck Tomar on the left side of his back, causing him to collapse and later be moved to a district hospital before being referred to AIIMS Bhopal when his condition turned critical.
After the shooting, Thakur attempted to flee but was overpowered by acting superintendent RK Choure and other guards. The incident led to Choure's immediate suspension and his reassignment to the jail headquarters while an inquiry is led by Inspector General of Police (Prisons) Sanjay Pandey. Madhya Pradesh Director General of Prisons Varun Kapoor said additional measures would follow the investigation's findings, which also includes probing how the illegal weapon entered the facility and whether any staff aided the escape attempt.
Why it matters
The breach reveals serious security lapses in Indian prisons and raises concerns about inmate access to weapons.
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