A violent incident unfolded inside the Mattancherry sub-jail in Kochi on Tuesday morning, where a remand prisoner allegedly assaulted two assistant prison officers, leaving both with fractures. The attack has raised serious concerns about security within the prison facility.
Chronology of the Violent Assault
The altercation occurred around 7:30 am on Tuesday near the jail's guard office. According to police reports, the inmate, identified as Thanzeer, was asked to return to his cell after having breakfast. It was at this point that he allegedly launched a sudden and brutal attack on the officers.
As per the First Information Report (FIR), Thanzeer first targeted Assistant Prison Officer (APO) Rijumon Silvester. He struck Silvester's right hand with a heavy iron lid, which is normally used to cover a vessel storing drinking water. Not stopping there, he then turned his aggression towards APO Binu Narayanan, allegedly twisting his right arm with significant force.
Severe Injuries and Fresh Legal Charges
The assault resulted in both officers sustaining fractures. Following medical examination and treatment, the injured officers formally lodged a complaint with the Mattancherry police station, initiating a legal process against the inmate.
Investigators revealed a chilling detail: the accused, Thanzeer, issued direct threats to kill the officers after his eventual release from custody. This adds a layer of criminal intimidation to the already grave physical assault.
It is important to note that Thanzeer was already in judicial custody in connection with a prior case. The Thoppumpady police had registered a case against him for allegedly obstructing police personnel from performing their official duties.
Invocation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
In response to this latest jail attack, the police have booked Thanzeer under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The new charges pressed against him are severe and include:
- Voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
- Using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty.
- Criminal intimidation.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by prison staff in maintaining order and their own safety while dealing with remand prisoners and other inmates. The case remains under active investigation as authorities look into all aspects of the altercation.
