IS member in Bengal jail tries to slit warden’s throat with knife

KOLKATA: An Islamic State member, Mohammad Masiruddin alias Musa, who was questioned by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sleuths last year, almost killed a jail warden in Kolkata’s Alipore Central Correctional home on Sunday when he attacked him with a knife.

Gobinda Chandra Dey, 45, the jail warden was rushed to staterun SSKM Hospital first and then to a private hospital with serious injuries.

The 27-year-old IS operative is one of the most high security prisoners in the state.

“A first information report (FIR) has already been filed against Musa and investigation has started. I have also ordered to beef up security in all the prisons in the state so that such an incident is not repeated,” said Bengal correctional services minister, Ujjwal Biswas.

A jail official told Hindustan Times that prima facie it seems that he obtained a piece of metal and sharpened it over a long time.

“Usually, such prisoners are kept in cells where it is easier to keep a close watch on them. Surely there was some lapse in the monitoring process that helped him to lay his hands on the knife. All these points are being investigated,” said a state correctional department officer, who did not wish to be named since he is not authorised to speak to the media.

Musa was arrested from Burdwan station in July 2016. He was questioned by FBI sleuths in December 2016 for his IS links.

“Musa had first hit Dey with a brick on his head. After that he suddenly brought out a sharp steel weapon, an improvised knife, and tried to slit his throat too. Fortunately another prisoner, Mohammad Sohail alias Pintu pounced on Musa and overpowered him thus saving Dey’s life. Pintu was also injured in the process,” said a jail official.

“While he hit Dey, Musa shouted ‘Hail IS’ slogan,” said the official. The incident has triggered questions on how high security prisoners are kept in the jail.