The Indian government on Monday (Jan 29) extended the ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for another five years as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

“Bolstering PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terrorism ‘Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)’ has been declared as an 'Unlawful Association' for a further period of five years under the UAPA. The SIMI has been found involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing peace and communal harmony to threaten the sovereignty, security and integrity of Bharat,” the home ministry's office posted on social media platform X.&nbsp;

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Bolstering PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terrorism ‘Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)’ has been declared as an 'Unlawful Association' for a further period of five years under the UAPA. 
The SIMI has been found involved in fomenting terrorism,…
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia/status/1751921660419268683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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SIMI was first declared as an outlawed outfit on September 27, 2001.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lawrence-bishnois-gang-member-tied-up-set-on-fire-in-indias-haryana-684892">Lawrence Bishnoi's gang member tied up, set on fire in India's Haryana</a>

After this, the government kept extending the ban on September 26, 2003, February 8, 2006, February 7, 2008, February 5, 2010, February 3, 2012, February 1, 2014, and January 31, 2019.

The latest move came taking into consideration the fact that&nbsp;SIMI is "continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing the peace and communal harmony in the country which are prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India."

Several criminal cases have been filed against SIMI and its members under multiple sections of law including the UAPA.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the decision was taken under the Indian government's 'zero tolerance' policy.

According to the fresh notification, SIMI has been involved in activities&nbsp;which are "prejudicial to the security of the country and have the potential of disturbing peace and communal harmony and disrupting the the secular fabric of the country."

It also pointed to SIMI's links to various cases, including the one registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Athar Parvej and Mohd Jalaluddin of Phulawari Sharif, Patna relating to a conspiracy to disrupt the visit of the Prime Minister in July 2022.

The notification further pointed out that "if the unlawful activities of the SIMI (/topic/simi) are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will take the opportunity to continue its subversive activities and re-organize its activists who are still absconding; disrupt the secular fabric of the country by polluting the minds of the people by creating communal disharmony; propagate anti-national sentiments; escalate secessionism by supporting militancy; and undertake activities which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government on Monday (Jan 29) extended the ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for another five years as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Indian government on Monday (Jan 29) extended the ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for another five years as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). “Bolstering PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terrorism ‘Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)’ has been declared as an 'Unlawful Association' for a further period of five years under the UAPA. The SIMI has been found involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing peace and communal harmony to threaten the sovereignty, security and integrity of Bharat,” the home ministry's office posted on social media platform X. Bolstering PM @narendramodi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terrorism ‘Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)’ has been declared as an 'Unlawful Association' for a further period of five years under the UAPA. The SIMI has been found involved in fomenting terrorism,… — गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) January 29, 2024 × SIMI was first declared as an outlawed outfit on September 27, 2001. Also read: Lawrence Bishnoi's gang member tied up, set on fire in India's Haryana After this, the government kept extending the ban on September 26, 2003, February 8, 2006, February 7, 2008, February 5, 2010, February 3, 2012, February 1, 2014, and January 31, 2019. The latest move came taking into consideration the fact that SIMI is "continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing the peace and communal harmony in the country which are prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India." Several criminal cases have been filed against SIMI and its members under multiple sections of law including the UAPA. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the decision was taken under the Indian government's 'zero tolerance' policy. According to the fresh notification, SIMI has been involved in activities which are "prejudicial to the security of the country and have the potential of disturbing peace and communal harmony and disrupting the the secular fabric of the country." It also pointed to SIMI's links to various cases, including the one registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Athar Parvej and Mohd Jalaluddin of Phulawari Sharif, Patna relating to a conspiracy to disrupt the visit of the Prime Minister in July 2022. The notification further pointed out that "if the unlawful activities of the SIMI (/topic/simi) are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will take the opportunity to continue its subversive activities and re-organize its activists who are still absconding; disrupt the secular fabric of the country by polluting the minds of the people by creating communal disharmony; propagate anti-national sentiments; escalate secessionism by supporting militancy; and undertake activities which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian government extends ban on SIMI for five more years under UAPA

A suspected Students` Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist Azharuddin, also known as `Chemical Ali` who was allegedly involved in the 2013 Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts was on Friday nabbed by Chhattisgarh police from Hyderabad airport after he landed from Saudi Arabia, a senior police officer said Saturday.

"Azharuddin, a resident of Moudhapara in Raipur named in connection with the blasts, had been absconding for the past six years and was hiding in Saudi Arabia where he was working as a driver and a salesman at a supermarket," Senior Superintendent of Police Arif Sheikh told reporters at a press conference here.

A joint team of Chattisgarh Police along with Anti-Terrorism Squad squad made the arrests based on specific input about Azharuddin`s arrival at the airport here.

The team under the direction of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Arif H. Shaikh, under the leadership of Municipal Superintendent of Police, Civil Line Trilok Bansal (IPS) Raipur Police and ATS special team made the arrest and brought him to Raipur.

The SIMI operative, is said to be part of a sleeper cell and had allegedly given shelter to the accused in the Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts, will be produced in the court today and the probe agencies will seek a two-day police remand.

One passport, two driving licenses, a voting pass and a voter identity card has been seized from the possession of the accused, the police officer said.

A Tibetan monk and a tourist were injured in the 2013 blast that took place when a large number of devotees had gathered near the sacred Bodhi tree for morning prayers.&nbsp;

As many as nine blasts took place within a span of 30 minutes which rocked the sacred city of Bodh Gaya, marking the first terrorist attack on the soil of Bihar.

Not only that, but the terrorists had also planted a cylinder bomb under the Bodhi tree as well which fortunately did not explode.

In October 2013, there were crude bomb explosions in Patna before Narendra Modi arrived to address thousands of supporters and launch his party`s campaign for the national election.

A total of 17 were arrested in connection with the Bodhgaya and Patna blasts and Azharuddin had been absconding, police said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A suspected Students` Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist Azharuddin, also known as `Chemical Ali` who was allegedly involved in the 2013 Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts was on Friday nabbed by Chhattisgarh police from Hyderabad airport after he landed from Saudi Arabia, a senior police officer said Saturday.

A suspected Students` Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist Azharuddin, also known as `Chemical Ali` who was allegedly involved in the 2013 Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts was on Friday nabbed by Chhattisgarh police from Hyderabad airport after he landed from Saudi Arabia, a senior police officer said Saturday. "Azharuddin, a resident of Moudhapara in Raipur named in connection with the blasts, had been absconding for the past six years and was hiding in Saudi Arabia where he was working as a driver and a salesman at a supermarket," Senior Superintendent of Police Arif Sheikh told reporters at a press conference here. A joint team of Chattisgarh Police along with Anti-Terrorism Squad squad made the arrests based on specific input about Azharuddin`s arrival at the airport here. The team under the direction of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Arif H. Shaikh, under the leadership of Municipal Superintendent of Police, Civil Line Trilok Bansal (IPS) Raipur Police and ATS special team made the arrest and brought him to Raipur. The SIMI operative, is said to be part of a sleeper cell and had allegedly given shelter to the accused in the Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts, will be produced in the court today and the probe agencies will seek a two-day police remand. One passport, two driving licenses, a voting pass and a voter identity card has been seized from the possession of the accused, the police officer said. A Tibetan monk and a tourist were injured in the 2013 blast that took place when a large number of devotees had gathered near the sacred Bodhi tree for morning prayers. As many as nine blasts took place within a span of 30 minutes which rocked the sacred city of Bodh Gaya, marking the first terrorist attack on the soil of Bihar. Not only that, but the terrorists had also planted a cylinder bomb under the Bodhi tree as well which fortunately did not explode. In October 2013, there were crude bomb explosions in Patna before Narendra Modi arrived to address thousands of supporters and launch his party`s campaign for the national election. A total of 17 were arrested in connection with the Bodhgaya and Patna blasts and Azharuddin had been absconding, police said.

SIMI terrorist arrested at Hyderabad airport

The Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which was allegedly involved in a series of terror acts in the country, has been banned by the government for five more years, reported news agency PTI.

According to a Home Ministry notification, if the unlawful activities of SIMI are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will continue its subversive activities, re-organise its activists, who are still absconding, and disrupt the secular fabric of the country by propagating anti-national sentiments and escalating secessionism.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the central government hereby declares the SIMI as an 'unlawful association' and directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years," the notification said.

The imposition of the ban on SIMI by the government will have to be confirmed by a tribunal.

The police from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala have provided details of conviction against top SIMI leaders Safdar Nagori, Abu Faisal, among others. Faisal was instrumental in the 2013 Khandwa jail break incident, according to investigators.

Members of the group have allegedly been involved in bank robberies, killings of policemen, blasts, among other cases, officials said.

The Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which was allegedly involved in a series of terror acts in the country, has been banned by the government for five more years, reported news agency PTI.

The Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which was allegedly involved in a series of terror acts in the country, has been banned by the government for five more years, reported news agency PTI. According to a Home Ministry notification, if the unlawful activities of SIMI are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will continue its subversive activities, re-organise its activists, who are still absconding, and disrupt the secular fabric of the country by propagating anti-national sentiments and escalating secessionism. "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the central government hereby declares the SIMI as an 'unlawful association' and directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years," the notification said. The imposition of the ban on SIMI by the government will have to be confirmed by a tribunal. The police from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala have provided details of conviction against top SIMI leaders Safdar Nagori, Abu Faisal, among others. Faisal was instrumental in the 2013 Khandwa jail break incident, according to investigators. Members of the group have allegedly been involved in bank robberies, killings of policemen, blasts, among other cases, officials said.

Government bans SIMI for 5 more years

A Special NIA court here on Monday convicted 18 people in the December 2007 Wagamon SIMI arms training camp case. 
The court also acquitted 17 others.

Special Judge Kauser Edappagath found the convicts guilty under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Explosives Substances Act and various sections of Indian Penal Code.

The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment tomorrow.

While only two accused were produced today in the court, the others who are lodged in various jails in Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Bengaluru, attended the proceedings via multi-point video conference.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) which probed the case had charged the accused with involvement in terror activities and being in cahoots with terror groups besides criminal conspiracy and violation of Arms Act among others.

The case was investigated on the basis of complaint that a secret training camp was organised allegedly by Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) at Thangalpara, Wagamon in the state during December, 2007.

It is alleged that in and around November 2007, office bearers and functionaries of SIMI, a banned organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, entered into a criminal conspiracy in Choral, Indore, Madhya Pradesh to conduct training camps for their active cadres.&nbsp

NIA has alleged that they conducted camps at Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat from December 10, 2007 to December 12, 2007.&nbsp

They organised a secret training camp at Thangalpara, Wagamon within the limits of Mundakayam Police Station, Kottayam (Kerala).

 
The agency alleged that the SIMI cadres were involved in physical training, arms training, firing practices, manufacture of bombs/petrol bombs, motor bike racing and rope climbing practices in the camp.

They also allegedly conducted "jihadi" classes in the camp with an intention to train the cadres to advocate, incite and abet unlawful, terrorist activities, disrupt communal harmony and causing threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, thereby waging war against Government of India.&nbsp

The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment tomorrow.

A Special NIA court here on Monday convicted 18 people in the December 2007 Wagamon SIMI arms training camp case. The court also acquitted 17 others. Special Judge Kauser Edappagath found the convicts guilty under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Explosives Substances Act and various sections of Indian Penal Code. The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment tomorrow. While only two accused were produced today in the court, the others who are lodged in various jails in Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Bengaluru, attended the proceedings via multi-point video conference. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) which probed the case had charged the accused with involvement in terror activities and being in cahoots with terror groups besides criminal conspiracy and violation of Arms Act among others. The case was investigated on the basis of complaint that a secret training camp was organised allegedly by Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) at Thangalpara, Wagamon in the state during December, 2007. It is alleged that in and around November 2007, office bearers and functionaries of SIMI, a banned organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, entered into a criminal conspiracy in Choral, Indore, Madhya Pradesh to conduct training camps for their active cadres. NIA has alleged that they conducted camps at Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat from December 10, 2007 to December 12, 2007. They organised a secret training camp at Thangalpara, Wagamon within the limits of Mundakayam Police Station, Kottayam (Kerala). The agency alleged that the SIMI cadres were involved in physical training, arms training, firing practices, manufacture of bombs/petrol bombs, motor bike racing and rope climbing practices in the camp. They also allegedly conducted "jihadi" classes in the camp with an intention to train the cadres to advocate, incite and abet unlawful, terrorist activities, disrupt communal harmony and causing threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country, thereby waging war against Government of India.

NIA court convicts 18 in SIMI training camp case, 17 acquitted

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Bhopal has convicted<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bhopal-encounter-case-report-quotes-witnesses-as-saying-8-killed-escapees-did-not-have-weapons-on-them-8252" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>Abu Faisal, chief of the banned group Students&#39; Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) in the Bhopal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bhopal-encounter-case-report-quotes-witnesses-as-saying-8-killed-escapees-did-not-have-weapons-on-them-8252" target="_blank">jailbreak of October 2016</a>.

Abu Faisal is already serving life imprisonment for murdering a constable of the Anti Terrorism Squad in 2009.

Abu Faisal along with an another accused Sarafat Ali have been sentenced to three years of imprisonment.&nbsp;The court has also imposed a fine on the two convicts who had been named in the jailbreak of eight activists of the SIMI were subsequently shot dead by policemen after they escaped from the&nbsp;jail.

Several questions were raised over the manner and circumstances under which the suspects were gunned down in the capital city of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

WION News had accessed an audio clip in which a&nbsp;senior police officer can be heard on the radio ordering his subordinates engaged in action to kill all eight men, &lsquo;Sabko nipta do.&rsquo; (Kill all of them).&nbsp;

The Madya Pradesh government had ordered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bhopal-encounter-deaths-government-orders-judicial-probe-into-simi-killings-8389">judicial probe into the killings in November</a> last year.

&nbsp;In 2013, SIMI operatives were involved in a similar jailbreak in Khandwa, around 280 km from Bhopal, when a similar plan was used, ANI reported. Abu Faisal masterminded the jailbreak.

&nbsp;

Abu Faisal is already serving life imprisonment for murdering a constable of the Anti Terrorism Squad in 2009.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Bhopal has convicted Abu Faisal, chief of the banned group Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) in the Bhopal jailbreak of October 2016. Abu Faisal is already serving life imprisonment for murdering a constable of the Anti Terrorism Squad in 2009. Abu Faisal along with an another accused Sarafat Ali have been sentenced to three years of imprisonment. The court has also imposed a fine on the two convicts who had been named in the jailbreak of eight activists of the SIMI were subsequently shot dead by policemen after they escaped from the jail. Several questions were raised over the manner and circumstances under which the suspects were gunned down in the capital city of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. WION News had accessed an audio clip in which a senior police officer can be heard on the radio ordering his subordinates engaged in action to kill all eight men, ‘Sabko nipta do.’ (Kill all of them). The Madya Pradesh government had ordered a judicial probe into the killings in November last year. In 2013, SIMI operatives were involved in a similar jailbreak in Khandwa, around 280 km from Bhopal, when a similar plan was used, ANI reported. Abu Faisal masterminded the jailbreak.

2016 Bhopal jailbreak: SIMI chief Abu Faisal imprisoned for three years

A report released by the US state department, on Sunday, has criticised India over alleged human rights violations. The report referred to the police case against activist Teesta Setalvad,&nbsp;encounter of eight SIMI members in Madhya Pradesh, and also the &quot;Vyapam&quot;&nbsp;scam in Madhya Pradesh.

The report titled &quot;Human Rights Practices in India for 2016&quot; highlighted the restrictions on foreign funding of NGOs, dowry-related deaths and female genital mutilation as some of the human rights problems in India.&nbsp;

The report quotes several voluntary NGOs as saying that due to rejection of permits to receive foreign funds, it has become difficult for them to operate in the country.

On the irregularities in the recruitment of government officials and admissions to educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh populary known as the &quot;Vyapam&quot; scam, the report says that it shows &quot;corruption and lack of transaparency in government&quot;.&nbsp;&quot;Investigations and prosecutions of individual cases took place, but lax enforcement, a shortage of trained police officers, and an overburdened and under-resourced court system contributed to infrequent convictions,&quot; the report said.

The report highlights abuse of power by security forces like extra-judicial killings, torture, rape and corruption. &nbsp;

&quot;There were instances of infringement of privacy rights. The law in six states restricted religious conversion, and there were reports of arrests but no reports of convictions under those laws. Some limits on the freedom of movement continued,&quot; it said.

The report mentions trafficking in persons, bonded and forced labour of children, sex trafficking of children and adults&nbsp;for prostitution as some of the serious problems faced by India.

(WION with inputs from ANI) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The report refers to the police case against Teesta Setalvad, and the killing of eight alleged SIMI members in Madhya Pradesh by police

A report released by the US state department, on Sunday, has criticised India over alleged human rights violations. The report referred to the police case against activist Teesta Setalvad, encounter of eight SIMI members in Madhya Pradesh, and also the "Vyapam" scam in Madhya Pradesh. The report titled "Human Rights Practices in India for 2016" highlighted the restrictions on foreign funding of NGOs, dowry-related deaths and female genital mutilation as some of the human rights problems in India. The report quotes several voluntary NGOs as saying that due to rejection of permits to receive foreign funds, it has become difficult for them to operate in the country. On the irregularities in the recruitment of government officials and admissions to educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh populary known as the "Vyapam" scam, the report says that it shows "corruption and lack of transaparency in government". "Investigations and prosecutions of individual cases took place, but lax enforcement, a shortage of trained police officers, and an overburdened and under-resourced court system contributed to infrequent convictions," the report said. The report highlights abuse of power by security forces like extra-judicial killings, torture, rape and corruption. "There were instances of infringement of privacy rights. The law in six states restricted religious conversion, and there were reports of arrests but no reports of convictions under those laws. Some limits on the freedom of movement continued," it said. The report mentions trafficking in persons, bonded and forced labour of children, sex trafficking of children and adults for prostitution as some of the serious problems faced by India. (WION with inputs from ANI)

US state dept report criticises India for alleged human rights violations

Several videos have surfaced -- and troubling questions arisen -- following the killing of eight escapees from a high-security jail in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

The escapees were all undertrials and accused of being members of the Students&#39; Islamic Movement of India or SIMI, a group that was&nbsp;banned in India in 2001. The escapees faced different charges from sedition to murder.

The eight men escaped from a jail in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, on Monday. They left behind one dead prison guard, whom they allegedly killed with knives fashioned from steel plates and glasses issued to them in prison.

A few hours&nbsp;later all eight undertrials were dead.

WION cannot verify the authenticity of the videos.

The one below shows apparently dead men lying on the ground. A man in plainclothes is seen recovering a large knife from one of them. Then a&nbsp;voice in the background says,&nbsp;&ldquo;Zinda hai, maaro.&rdquo; (He is alive, kill him.)

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Longer version of the video of the encounter by Madhya Pradesh Police of SIMI under-trials which looks as fake as it gets. <a href="https://t.co/NiPPYOoUSP">pic.twitter.com/NiPPYOoUSP</a>
&mdash; Pratik Sinha (@free_thinker) <a href="https://twitter.com/free_thinker/status/793092329385168896">October 31, 2016</a></blockquote>
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A policeman in uniform then points a rifle at a body, and shoots -- an arm moves -- while another voice says, &quot;Put one in the chest... He will die.&quot;

The escapees were caught on a hilltop only 8 kilometres from the Bhopal Central Jail.

India&#39;s National Investigation Agency is probing the jailbreak.

(WION)

 
&nbsp;

The videos have not yet been authenticated but they have led to people asking if the killings were staged

Several videos have surfaced -- and troubling questions arisen -- following the killing of eight escapees from a high-security jail in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The escapees were all undertrials and accused of being members of the Students' Islamic Movement of India or SIMI, a group that was banned in India in 2001. The escapees faced different charges from sedition to murder. The eight men escaped from a jail in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, on Monday. They left behind one dead prison guard, whom they allegedly killed with knives fashioned from steel plates and glasses issued to them in prison. A few hours later all eight undertrials were dead. WION cannot verify the authenticity of the videos. The one below shows apparently dead men lying on the ground. A man in plainclothes is seen recovering a large knife from one of them. Then a voice in the background says, “Zinda hai, maaro.” (He is alive, kill him.) Longer version of the video of the encounter by Madhya Pradesh Police of SIMI under-trials which looks as fake as it gets. pic.twitter.com/NiPPYOoUSP — Pratik Sinha (@free_thinker) October 31, 2016 × A policeman in uniform then points a rifle at a body, and shoots -- an arm moves -- while another voice says, "Put one in the chest... He will die." The escapees were caught on a hilltop only 8 kilometres from the Bhopal Central Jail. India's National Investigation Agency is probing the jailbreak. (WION)

Bhopal encounter deaths: Videos surface, questions arise after all eight 'escapees' from Indian jail are killed

A day after eight suspected SIMI activists were killed in an alleged police encounter following a daring prison break here, their families have decided to approach the Madhya Pradesh high court seeking a CBI probe into what they dub &quot;cold-blooded murders&quot;.

&quot;The families of the deceased have come to me and are weeping inconsolably for justice. We are going to move the MP high court for a CBI probe into the entire incident,&quot; lawyer Parvez Alam told PTI.

&quot;It is surprising that the authorities are claiming that the accused climbed the 32-feet boundary wall of the jail. Is this possible?&quot; he asked.

Police have claimed that the escapees were killed yesterday in an encounter hours after they escaped from the high-security Central jail where they had slit the throat of a security guard and scaled the wall using bedsheets between 2 AM and 3 AM.

Alam described the encounter as &quot;fake&quot; and said, &quot;The TV grabs show police and ATS firing. There is no evidence that the accused fired.&quot;

&quot;This is a fake encounter and (these are) cold-blooded murders,&quot; Alam claimed.

He said Inspector General Yogesh Choudhary had last night told media that the accused made keys from toothbrushes and used them to open their cells.

&quot;Can someone open the keys of high-security Bhopal Central Jail that has earned an ISO certificate with keys made of toothbrushes?&quot; he wondered.

&quot;What lie these authorities are speaking,&quot; he said.

&quot;Our first course of action after the funeral of the accused killed in the encounter is to move the HC for justice,&quot; he added.

The kin of seven accused have already reached Bhopal to receive their bodies and take them to their place for burial, Alam said.

He said that no one has yet claimed the body of Mohammad Khalid, a resident of Solapur in Maharashtra.

Family members of accused Sheikh Mujeeb are taking his body to Ahmedabad, while Abdul Majid&#39;s mortal remains are being taken to Mahidpur area in Ujjain district of MP, he said.

Bodies of the rest, Amjad Khan, Zakir Hussain, Mohammad Salik, Sheikh Mehboob and Aqueel Khilji, all hailing from MP&#39;s Khandwa district, are being taken to their homes, Alam added.

Yesterday, the police had dismissed criticism over the encounter killing of the eight escapees near Bhopal, saying there was heavy exchange of fire in which they were killed after which four country-made guns and some other sharp-edged weapons were recovered from them.

Also, IG Chaudhary repeatedly maintained that all questions raised over the encounter were a matter of investigation as the series of events over seven hours between their escape and killing were still being probed.

This came soon after a controversy raged over the police action following the daring pre-dawn jailbreak, as TV channels showed footage purportedly from the encounter site in which a policeman is seen pumping bullets into a man from close range after some unidentified person takes out what appears to be a knife said to be in a plastic cover and places it back.

Besides the veracity of the video, police is also probing how the SIMI terror suspects could lay their hands on weapons after their escape.

(PTI)

'This is a fake encounter and (these are) cold-blooded murders,' their lawyer said

A day after eight suspected SIMI activists were killed in an alleged police encounter following a daring prison break here, their families have decided to approach the Madhya Pradesh high court seeking a CBI probe into what they dub "cold-blooded murders". "The families of the deceased have come to me and are weeping inconsolably for justice. We are going to move the MP high court for a CBI probe into the entire incident," lawyer Parvez Alam told PTI. "It is surprising that the authorities are claiming that the accused climbed the 32-feet boundary wall of the jail. Is this possible?" he asked. Police have claimed that the escapees were killed yesterday in an encounter hours after they escaped from the high-security Central jail where they had slit the throat of a security guard and scaled the wall using bedsheets between 2 AM and 3 AM. Alam described the encounter as "fake" and said, "The TV grabs show police and ATS firing. There is no evidence that the accused fired." "This is a fake encounter and (these are) cold-blooded murders," Alam claimed. He said Inspector General Yogesh Choudhary had last night told media that the accused made keys from toothbrushes and used them to open their cells. "Can someone open the keys of high-security Bhopal Central Jail that has earned an ISO certificate with keys made of toothbrushes?" he wondered. "What lie these authorities are speaking," he said. "Our first course of action after the funeral of the accused killed in the encounter is to move the HC for justice," he added. The kin of seven accused have already reached Bhopal to receive their bodies and take them to their place for burial, Alam said. He said that no one has yet claimed the body of Mohammad Khalid, a resident of Solapur in Maharashtra. Family members of accused Sheikh Mujeeb are taking his body to Ahmedabad, while Abdul Majid's mortal remains are being taken to Mahidpur area in Ujjain district of MP, he said. Bodies of the rest, Amjad Khan, Zakir Hussain, Mohammad Salik, Sheikh Mehboob and Aqueel Khilji, all hailing from MP's Khandwa district, are being taken to their homes, Alam added. Yesterday, the police had dismissed criticism over the encounter killing of the eight escapees near Bhopal, saying there was heavy exchange of fire in which they were killed after which four country-made guns and some other sharp-edged weapons were recovered from them. Also, IG Chaudhary repeatedly maintained that all questions raised over the encounter were a matter of investigation as the series of events over seven hours between their escape and killing were still being probed. This came soon after a controversy raged over the police action following the daring pre-dawn jailbreak, as TV channels showed footage purportedly from the encounter site in which a policeman is seen pumping bullets into a man from close range after some unidentified person takes out what appears to be a knife said to be in a plastic cover and places it back. Besides the veracity of the video, police is also probing how the SIMI terror suspects could lay their hands on weapons after their escape. (PTI)

Bhopal encounter: Families of killed escapees to move high court seeking CBI probe

Eight activists of the Students of Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), a banned Islamist organisation in India,&nbsp;who escaped from a high-security central India jail today morning, have been killed in an encounter.&nbsp;The state home minister Bhupendra Singh told PTI that the encounter took place at Malikheda near Bhopal.

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8 SIMI terrorists who fled from Bhopal Jail killed in an encounter: Police at the spot <a href="https://t.co/V6ZuMLgF70">pic.twitter.com/V6ZuMLgF70</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/792986956057616384">31 October 2016</a></blockquote>
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We located the 8 inmates,they fired on us, and all of them were killed in cross firing: Yogesh Chaudhary,IG Bhopal on SIMI terrorists <a href="https://t.co/ZylPR4qYXz">pic.twitter.com/ZylPR4qYXz</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/792986064700846080">31 October 2016</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;under-trials had slit a guard&#39;s throat with a steel plate and glass in order to escape. &nbsp;The Madhya Pradesh police recovered four firearms, sharp weapons and knives from them, ANI reported.

Four Bhopal central&nbsp;jail officials, including the superintendent, have been suspended.

A security official told PTI, the eight men scaled the prison wall with the help of bed sheets after killing a security guard.&nbsp;

&quot;Eight SIMI activists escaped around 2-3 AM by killing a jail security guard,&quot; deputy inspector general of police (DIG) Bhopal Raman Singh told PTI.

The fugitives&nbsp;were identified as,&nbsp;Amzad, Zakir Hussain Sadiq, Mohammad Salik, Mujeeb Shaikh, Mehbood Guddu, Mohammad Kalid Ahmed, Aqeel and Majid, an official said 
 
The union home ministry on Monday sought a report from the Madhya Pradesh government about the jail break, and whether there was any lapse on the part of the jail administration and the steps taken to check such incidents.

India&#39;s National Investigation Agency will probe into how the SIMI members managed to stage the jailbreak. 
 
This was the second major jail break by operatives of banned SIMI in three years after the sensational escape by seven members of the group from a jail in Khandwa in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in 2013.

Bhopal&#39;s central jail, also in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one a well-secured prison and is known to have round-the-clock surveillance system.

SIMI has been accused by New Delhi of carrying out several attacks in the country, and were banned in 2001.

(WION with inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Eight activists from the banned Islamist organisation had fled from Bhopal prison after slitting the throat of a prison guard

Eight activists of the Students of Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), a banned Islamist organisation in India, who escaped from a high-security central India jail today morning, have been killed in an encounter. The state home minister Bhupendra Singh told PTI that the encounter took place at Malikheda near Bhopal. 8 SIMI terrorists who fled from Bhopal Jail killed in an encounter: Police at the spot pic.twitter.com/V6ZuMLgF70 — ANI (@ANI_news) 31 October 2016 × We located the 8 inmates,they fired on us, and all of them were killed in cross firing: Yogesh Chaudhary,IG Bhopal on SIMI terrorists pic.twitter.com/ZylPR4qYXz — ANI (@ANI_news) 31 October 2016 × The under-trials had slit a guard's throat with a steel plate and glass in order to escape. The Madhya Pradesh police recovered four firearms, sharp weapons and knives from them, ANI reported. Four Bhopal central jail officials, including the superintendent, have been suspended. A security official told PTI, the eight men scaled the prison wall with the help of bed sheets after killing a security guard. "Eight SIMI activists escaped around 2-3 AM by killing a jail security guard," deputy inspector general of police (DIG) Bhopal Raman Singh told PTI. The fugitives were identified as, Amzad, Zakir Hussain Sadiq, Mohammad Salik, Mujeeb Shaikh, Mehbood Guddu, Mohammad Kalid Ahmed, Aqeel and Majid, an official said The union home ministry on Monday sought a report from the Madhya Pradesh government about the jail break, and whether there was any lapse on the part of the jail administration and the steps taken to check such incidents. India's National Investigation Agency will probe into how the SIMI members managed to stage the jailbreak. This was the second major jail break by operatives of banned SIMI in three years after the sensational escape by seven members of the group from a jail in Khandwa in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in 2013. Bhopal's central jail, also in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one a well-secured prison and is known to have round-the-clock surveillance system. SIMI has been accused by New Delhi of carrying out several attacks in the country, and were banned in 2001. (WION with inputs from PTI)

NIA to probe Bhopal jailbreak after police kill 8 SIMI fugitives

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