A brutal and shocking assault unfolded inside the Karwar District Jail on Saturday morning, leaving four prison staff, including the jailer, seriously injured. The violent attack was allegedly carried out by two notorious rowdy-sheeters from Mangaluru in retaliation against a stringent crackdown on narcotics smuggling within the prison walls.
The Violent Assault on Jail Staff
The incident began as a routine argument during checks but rapidly escalated into extreme violence. The two accused inmates, identified as Mohammed Abdul Fayan and Kaushik Nihal, allegedly overpowered Jailer Kallappa Gasti and three other on-duty staff members. In a frenzied attack, they tore the uniforms of the officials and beat them mercilessly with fists, kicks, and whatever objects they could find.
The assault was so severe that all four injured staff had to be rushed to the Karwar District Hospital for urgent medical treatment, having sustained multiple injuries. The Karwar City police have registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS for assault on public servants, criminal intimidation, and prison offences. Senior police officials have visited both the jail and the hospital, and an investigation is currently underway.
Root Cause: A Crackdown on Prison Drug Racket
According to sources, the primary motive behind this murderous attack was the jail administration's recent and uncompromising measures to completely stop the supply and use of narcotics inside the facility. For the past few weeks, under the leadership of Jailer Kallappa Gasti, security protocols had been significantly enhanced.
The tightened measures included:
- A substantial increase in surprise checks on inmates and visitors.
- Thorough screening of all incoming parcels and food items.
- Strict control over the use of mobile phones and contraband.
- Immediate strict action against any inmate found possessing drugs.
These actions effectively choked the supply chain of ganja and other narcotics that were previously being smuggled into the jail. It is learnt that Mangaluru-based inmates, who were allegedly running a drug racket from behind bars, were furious at losing this lucrative "business" and the associated "privileges."
Notorious Background of the Accused
The two main accused, Mohammed Abdul Fayan and Kaushik Nihal, hail from Mangaluru and have a long history of serious crime. They were reportedly involved in more than 12 serious cases, including dacoity, attempt to murder, and extortion. Initially lodged at the Mangaluru District Jail, they were shifted to the Karwar District Jail a few months ago.
The attack on Saturday morning highlights the dangerous challenges prison authorities face when disrupting entrenched illegal networks within jails. It underscores the risks staff take in enforcing order and rooting out corruption and criminal activity, even within secured premises.
