NIA to probe SIMI activists’ international links: Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said an NIA probe will be conducted into the prison break here to trace the possible international links of the eight SIMI activists killed in a police encounter hours after they escaped from Central Jail.

Also, the state government will carry out a separate investigation into the matter.

"Taking the entire incident seriously, we have taken a decision for a probe by former DGP Nandan Dubey into it," Chouhan told reporters here.

"A decision will (thereafter) be taken according to the findings. For this criminal negligence, if needed we will dismiss (the official or officials)," he said. "Besides, I had a talk with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh because these terrorists have links not only in the state but in India and the world," Chouhan said.

"Therefore, this is not a case pertaining to the state. I spoke to Rajnath Singh and he also agreed that this incident should be probed by NIA to expose the entire links behind it," the Chief Minister added.

Soon after the jail break in the wee hours, four officers including the Prison DIG were suspended.

"The escape of terrorists from a jail is a serious matter.

That is why we have taken a decision to suspend MP Prison Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Bhopal Central Jail Superintendent, Deputy Jail Superintendent and Assistant Jail Superintendent," he added.

"Furthermore MP Prison Additional Director General (ADG) has been attached to the police headquarters," Chouhan said.