Masked duo shoots at jailer walking to work at 6.30am

PUNE: Two men wearing masks and riding a scooter shot at Yerawada Central Prison jailer Mohan Patil (35) at 6.30am on Friday when he was walking on Jail Road between the prison’s gates and the Yerawada post office.

Patil, a group II jailer, was walking from his residence in the jail staff quarters some 200m away from the prison to report for duty. He was transferred to Yerawada from Taloja jail in 2017.

The assailants later fled towards Golf Club. A CCTV camera has captured their images. Police recovered an empty round from the spot. They suspect the involvement of a criminal lodged in the jail for plotting the attack.

Deputy commissioner of police (zone IV) Deepak Sakore, who inspected the spot, told TOI, “Patil was on his way to the jail from his residence when two masked men riding a scooter drew near and made a U-turn. The pillion rider, who was brandishing a weapon, opened fire on him. Patil escaped unhurt because he hunkered down. He threw his umbrella at them and they fled. Patil alerted the Yerawada police.”

Jail superintendent UT Pawar told TOI that Patil is a brave officer, known for enforcing prison rules strictly, and maintaining prison discipline among the inmates.

“He may have upset some inmate while discharging his duties. We don’t know who is responsible for opening fire on Patil. We have requested the police to identify the assailants and take action at the earliest,” he added.

Pawar said the prison authorities have time and again issued advisories to their officers to remain alert and take precautions while on duty and outside because they deal with criminals. “We have distributed pistols to 25 officers, including Patil. They have been told to keep the weapons with them at all times for security reasons,” he added. Pawar said the assailants conducted a recee.

Yerawada police's senior inspector Rajkumar Waghchavre told TOI that the assailants were booked under charges of attempt to commit murder among others of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act after Patil lodged an FIR.

“We have some clues. The probe is at a critical stage. We have sent out teams.” A police officer said Patil suspects the involvement of a criminal but has not named him.