A major security breach rocked the Raisen District Jail in Madhya Pradesh after an under-trial murder accused opened fire on a duty security guard inside the premises. The assailant executed the attack using a smuggled country-made firearm during an escape attempt, right amidst ongoing preparations for an event involving school children. The critically injured guard was rushed to a local district hospital before being urgently transferred to AIIMS Bhopal for advanced surgical intervention.
Disguised Attempt to Escape Triggers Violent Shootout
According to available information, preparations were underway inside the prison grounds for a scheduled program involving school students. During these activities, under-trial inmate Nilesh Thakur was tasked with bringing a basket of fruits from near the entrance gate of the facility. Upon reaching the doorway, Thakur confronted the duty jail guard, Digvijay Singh Tomar, demanding that he unlock the perimeter gate and facilitate his escape.
Guard Digvijay Singh Tomar firmly rejected the inmate's unlawful demand and refused to open the gate. The refusal infuriated Nilesh Thakur, leading to an immediate heated confrontation between the two. As the argument intensified, Thakur drew a concealed country-made pistol (katta) and fired two shots directly at Tomar. The sudden gunshots echoed across the prison complex, prompting nearby guards and staff to rush to the scene.
Critical Medical Condition and Emergency Transfer to AIIMS Bhopal
Guard Digvijay Singh Tomar sustained two gunshot wounds in the assault. One bullet struck near his shoulder area, while the second lodged in his back. Colleagues found Tomar bleeding heavily and immediately transported him to the Raisen District Hospital for emergency stabilization.
Dr. Mehak Sahyadri, who provided initial medical care at Raisen District Hospital, confirmed that the injured guard received prompt emergency treatment before arrangements were finalized for higher-level care. Hospital surgeon Dr. Abhishek Sagar explained the severity of the injury, stating that one of the bullets had penetrated the lower region of the lung. This caused fluid to progressively accumulate inside the lung cavity, creating acute respiratory complications and rendering an immediate referral to AIIMS Bhopal necessary for advanced medical care.
Criminal Profile of Accused Nilesh Thakur
The accused inmate, Nilesh Thakur, is a resident of Dimada village, located within Bareli tehsil of Raisen district. Thakur was previously named as the primary accused in an earlier shooting incident in Raisen. He initially faced charges under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code for attempt to murder, which was subsequently escalated to Section 302 for murder following the course of the investigation.
At the time of the incident, Thakur was being held at the Raisen District Jail as an under-trial prisoner awaiting legal proceedings for these charges. The fact that a high-profile murder suspect managed to procure a firearm inside a secure facility underscores significant security vulnerabilities.
Security Lapses and Official Police Investigation
The firing incident has raised serious questions regarding how a country-made pistol was smuggled past prison checks to an inmate charged under Section 302. Standard protocols at district jails mandate thorough physical searches, gate inspections, and routine monitoring to prevent contraband from entering the perimeter.
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Pratibha Sharma acknowledged the gravity of the breach, confirming that law enforcement has taken formal note of the shooting. SDOP Sharma stated that a comprehensive inquiry is underway to determine the exact route through which the firearm was brought into the jail and to hold accountable anyone involved in the security lapse.
