Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Nov 19: A tense atmosphere gripped Sabarmati Central Jail on Tuesday after Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin Abdul Qader Jilani (40) — an accused in the sensational castor seed ricin terror plot — was attacked by three fellow inmates, barely a day after his transfer to the high-security prison.
Jilani, a native of Hyderabad, had been lodged in the facility under judicial custody along with two others arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). According to sources, Jilani suffered injuries to his face after being punched multiple times on the eyes and nose by Nilesh Sharma, an inmate from Amraiwadi booked in a theft case, and two unidentified prisoners.
A senior jail official told reporters that Sharma allegedly carried out the assault to “flaunt his patriotism,” a claim that has now triggered serious questions about internal security and inmate monitoring. Fellow prisoners reportedly intervened swiftly, preventing further harm and helping Jilani reach the jail dispensary for treatment.
The unexpected attack has raised eyebrows over how the assailants singled out Jilani within just hours of his arrival.
“How did they identify him so quickly? Was someone inside guiding them? These are critical aspects we are examining,” a senior police officer stated, hinting at possible internal lapses or collusion.
Meanwhile, the city crime branch has begun probing whether the incident was a spontaneous outburst or a pre-planned assault. Statements from inmates have confirmed the role of the three attackers, following which Ranip police registered an FIR. Inspector Ketan Vyas confirmed the registration, though Jilani himself reportedly could not identify the attackers during questioning. DGP (Prisons) K. L. N. Rao remained unavailable for comment.
Who is Jilani?
Jilani was arrested last week along with two associates in a major breakthrough by the Gujarat ATS. The trio is accused of plotting terror attacks using ricin, a deadly toxin derived from castor seeds. Investigators said the group had procured castor seeds and was studying extraction techniques to prepare the toxin for targeted attacks. The arrests followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.