Bihar jails' security tightened after Maoist threat

Two days ahead of the fourth round of the Bihar assembly elections for 42 of the 243 seats Monday, the state administration is worried over the Maoist threat to jails. The first three rounds of polling passed off peacefully with no major violence.

A police official told IANS that an intelligence report warned of possible Maoist attacks on two central jails in the state. "The police have taken it seriously and tightened the security," he added.

Security of Bhagalpur central jail in Bhagalpur district and Beur central jail here has been stepped up. Dozens of Maoists are lodged in the two prisons. Police sources said police stations have been put on high alert after the intelligence report that outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist may attack prisons to free its members.

Bihar saw a major jailbreak in November 2005 when as many as 380 prisoners fled from Jehanabad prison. But later nearly 300 returned or were re-arrested.  The six-phased state assembly polls began Oct 21 and will end Nov 20.