State asks jails to segregate terror accused from inmates

Though it is not the first time an undertrial or a convict has been murdered inside the jails of the state, but Quateel Siddiqui’s murder in the high-security Yerawada prison has come as a jolt to the Maharashtra government, which has now asked prison authorities to separate terror accused from other high-profile criminals.

Though it is not the first time an undertrial or a convict has been murdered inside the jails of the state, but Quateel Siddiqui’s murder in the high-security Yerawada prison has come as a jolt to the Maharashtra government, which has now asked prison authorities to separate terror accused from other high-profile criminals.

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The directive was issued soon after Siddiqui’s murder came to light at around 10.30am on Friday, said police sources. The directive is significant considering Arthur Road, Yerawada and Nagpur central jails hold high value criminals including Ajmal Kasab, the Pakistani national convicted for his role in the 26/11 terrorist attacks.

Apart from him, the state is particularly concerned about the key Indian Mujahideen operatives arrested in the 13/7 Mumbai serial blasts which includes Haroon Rashid Abdul Hamid Naik, Naquee Ahmed, Nadeem Sheikh and Kanwar Nain Wazirchand Pathrija.

All the four accused are currently in Arthur Road jail in Mumbai which also houses key Chhota Rajan henchmen facing trial in various cases.