2 weeks Ago
Chennai: A prisoner, Zakir Hussain , 37, who was arrested on charges of placing a pipe bomb in a culvert targeting former Union minister L K Advani in 2011, attempted suicide by drinking poison at the sub-jail in Poonamallee on Wednesday. Police said Hussain got bail from Madras high court six months ago. But he was unable to provide neccessary documents or pay the bail fee.
Frustrated by this, he took the extreme step. Prison officials are investigating to find out how he got the poison. Hussain has been admitted to Govt Stanley Hospital in the convicts' ward, and is stable now, police said.
Hussain, who was detained in Puzhal prison, was shifted to the Poonamallee sub-jail two months ago citing safety concerns. The prison staff said Hussain seemed aloof ever since he was shifted to the sub-jail. Police sources said Hussain was involved in an attempt to blow up a culvert with a pipe bomb in 2011, when Advani was attending a Ratha Yatra near Thirumangalam in Madurai.
Hussain was traced and arrested two years ago, police said. He was admitted to Puzhal prison, Chennai, police said. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available in Tamil Nadu's health helpline 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050).
