9 years since SIMI terrorists’ Bhopal jail escape attempt:Used plate as knife, toothpaste pouch as key; outdated city map caused plan to collapse

October 30, 2016 – The night of Diwali While the entire city glowed with the lights of Diwali lamps, a terrifying conspiracy was unfolding behind the high walls of Bhopal Central Jail. Eight dreaded terrorists from the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) scaled the 25-foot wall under the cover of darkness. Abu Faizal, the mastermind behind this jailbreak, had also orchestrated the Khandwa jailbreak three years earlier. Every step of their plan was carefully thought out, yet they were unaware that the escape route they had chosen had drastically changed over the years. This oversight would prove to be the fatal flaw in their plan. All eight terrorists were killed in an encounter nine hours after the jailbreak. This Diwali marks nine years since the Bhopal Central Jailbreak. But how was this daring escape plotted, and what clues helped the police track the terrorists? Revisiting Khandwa – The first escape To understand Bhopal, we need to go back to October 1, 2013. On that cold night, seven SIMI terrorists escaped from Khandwa District Jail under Abu Faizal’s plan. The terrorists tore sheets from their barracks and wove them together to make a long rope. Using it, they climbed the 15-foot wall and jumped out one by one. But there was a flaw: Abid Mirza, one of the terrorists, was significantly heavier than the others, which caused complications. Shift to Bhopal Central Jail The Khandwa jailbreak alarmed security agencies nationwide. A massive manhunt ensued. Within months, two terrorists were killed in encounters, and the rest, including Abu Faizal, were captured. Due to security concerns, the dangerous prisoners were moved to Bhopal Central Jail, which had higher walls and stricter surveillance. Little did authorities know, the terrorists were already plotting their next move. Psychological pressure in the jail At Bhopal Central Jail, the terrorists were confined in a special cell under strict watch. Yet they found ways to assert dominance: they threatened jail staff, abused guards, and even went on hunger strikes. Their goal was to wear down the staff mentally, so that guards might give them some informal leeway. Gradually, the plan worked, and the jailers allowed them small freedoms, unaware this would fuel a far bigger conspiracy. Making a key and improvised weapons The terrorists began preparing for their escape. They repeatedly requested a specific toothpaste from visitors. The guards didn’t notice that the pouches were being collected. After months of experimenting, they crafted a makeshift key using layers of toothpaste covers. For weapons, they bent steel plates repeatedly until they broke, producing two sharp knives. Diwali Night – The escape They chose Diwali night, knowing security might be more relaxed and patrols weaker due to the cold. Learning from past mistakes, they made two strong ropes by joining over a dozen sheets and added towels as steps to form a cloth ladder. Around 2 a.m. on October 30, they unlocked their cell with the makeshift key. When Head Constable Ramashankar Yadav tried to intervene, they slit his throat with the improvised knives. They then threw the ladder over the 25-foot wall and escaped one by one. When the next shift arrived, they found Ramashankar Yadav’s bloodied body, causing panic. Senior officers, including SP (North) Arvind Saxena, ATS IG, and SP Pranay Nagwanshi, rushed to the scene. DGP Rishi Shukla personally oversaw the operation. A city-wide and surrounding-area blockade was quickly imposed. Key clues that led to the terrorists Escape route blocked by Urban Development The terrorists relied on outdated information. They reached Khejradev village, climbed Manikot hill, and aimed to hide in the dense Achharpura forest, which they remembered from years ago. But by 2013, the area had been developed with industrial units and paved roads. When they reached the hilltop, they were stunned to see a power substation and roads instead of forest cover. Before they could adjust, police vehicles had already blocked the bottom of the hill, trapping them between the village and armed teams. Their escape routes were fully cut off.