A brutal gang-related attack unfolded just outside Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh on Monday, exposing glaring security gaps in what should be a highly controlled environment. The daylight attack involved three armed men targeting Sahil Khan, a known offender, while he was visiting his brother, an undertrial in a narcotics case. Police stated that the shooting was motivated by an old feud, with the attackers—identified as Shaikh Shahnawaz, Shahrukh, and Heera—all associated with rival gangs. The assailants fired multiple shots at Khan, one of which struck him in the throat, leaving him in a critical condition.
This shocking incident has sparked widespread public outrage and intense criticism of the jail's security protocols, given the location and the audacity of the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that, alarmingly, no security personnel were present at the scene during the attack, despite the jail’s status as a major detention center for high-profile inmates and undertrials. The absence of a security presence, particularly at a location known for housing dangerous criminals, has raised serious questions about the adequacy of the security measures in place.
The situation was further exacerbated by the discovery that the CCTV cameras outside the jail, which could have provided critical footage for the investigation, were non-functional. Reports indicate that the cameras had been inoperative for some time, an issue that had not been addressed by jail authorities despite the obvious risks associated with the lack of surveillance. This oversight left investigators with no footage of the incident, significantly complicating efforts to identify and track down the perpetrators. Public criticism has mounted over what many see as gross negligence on the part of jail authorities and a systemic failure to ensure even basic security precautions.
When questioned about the attack and the apparent lapses in security, jailer Amit Shandaliya declined to provide any comment, fueling further dissatisfaction among the public and highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability within the jail administration. The absence of an official response has only intensified scrutiny over the management and security protocols at the prison.
As police continue their investigation, they have pointed to an entrenched gang rivalry as the driving factor behind the attack. The two gangs involved reportedly have a long history of violent confrontations, with past incidents including stabbings and other violent altercations. The escalation to a public shooting outside a high-security facility underscores the dangerous extent of this rivalry, as well as the boldness of the attackers.Â
Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene, and a manhunt is currently underway as law enforcement works to apprehend them. Officials have vowed to track down the attackers, but the incident has placed immense pressure on authorities to not only resolve this case swiftly but also to implement stronger security measures at the jail.
This incident highlights a broader need for enhanced security at high-risk facilities, where threats from gang rivalries and other criminal elements are particularly pronounced. Public calls for accountability have led to demands for a thorough review of the jail’s security practices, including regular checks on CCTV functionality and mandatory security patrols to prevent similar incidents in the future. As authorities respond to these demands, there is a growing emphasis on addressing the structural and administrative issues within the jail system to prevent such alarming breaches of safety in Chhattisgarh’s capital.
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