Kanu was the mastermind of the mass jailbreak, Indian police allege
On a quiet Sunday evening in November 2005, a journalist in India’s Bihar state received a panicked phone call at home.
“The Maoists have attacked the prison. People are being killed! I’m hiding in the toilet,” an inmate gasped into the mobile phone, his voice trembling. The sound of gunshots echoed in the background.
He was calling from a jail in Jehanabad, a poverty-stricken district and, at the time, a stronghold of left-wing extremism.
The crumbling, red-brick, colonial-era prison overflowed with inmates. Spread across an acre, its 13 barracks and cells were described in official reports as “dark, damp, and filthy”. Originally designed for around 230, it held up to 800 prisoners.
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The Maoist insurgency, which began in Naxalbari, a hamlet in West Bengal state in the late 1960s, had spread to large parts of India, including Bihar. For nearly 60 years, the guerrillas – also called Naxalites – have fought the Indian state to establish a communist society, the movement claiming at least 40,000 lives.
The Jehanabad prison was a powder keg, housing Maoists alongside their class enemies – vigilantes from upper caste Hindu private armies. All awaited trial for mutual atrocities. Like many Indian prisons, some inmates had access to mobile phones, secured through bribing the guards.
“The place is swarming with rebels. Many are simply walking out,” the inmate – one of the 659 prisoners at the time – whispered to Mr Singh.
On the night of 13 November 2005, 389 prisoners, including many rebels, escaped from Jehanabad prison in what became India’s – and possibly Asia’s – largest jailbreak. At least two people were killed in the prison shootout, and police rifles were looted amid the chaos. The United States Department of State’s 2005 report on terrorism said the rebels had even “abducted 30 inmates” who were members of an anti-Maoist group.
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Prashant Ravi
The morning after the Jehanabad jailbreak – the prison has since been demolished
In a tantalising twist, police said the “mastermind” of the jail break was Ajay Kanu, a fiery rebel leader who was among the prisoners. Security was so lax in the decrepit prison that Kanu stayed in contact with his outlawed group on the phone and through messages, helping them come in, police alleged. Kanu says this is not true.
Hundreds of rebels wearing police uniforms had crossed a drying stream behind the prison, climbed up and down the tall walls using bamboo ladders and crawled in, opening fire from their rifles.
The cells were open as food was being cooked late in the kitchen. The rebels walked to the main gates and opened them. Guards on duty looked on helplessly. Prisoners – only 30 of the escapees were convicts, while the rest were awaiting trial – escaped by simply walking out of the gates, and disappeared into the darkness. It was all over in less than an hour, eyewitnesses said.
The mass jail break exposed the crumbling law and order in Bihar and the intensifying Maoist insurgency in one of India’s most impoverished regions. The rebels had timed their plan perfectly: security was stretched thin due to the ongoing state elections.
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AFP
Police taking positions near the Jehanabad jail on the night of the incident
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Rajkumar Singh, the local journalist, remembers the night vividly.
After getting the phone call, he rode his motorbike through a deserted town, trying to reach his office. He remembers the air was thick with gunshots ringing in the distance. The invading rebels were also trying to attack a neighbouring police station.
As he turned onto the main road, dim streetlights revealed a chilling sight – dozens of armed men and women in police uniforms blocking the way, shouting through a megaphone.
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“We are Maoists,” they declared. “We’re not against the people, only the government. The jailbreak is part of our protest.”
The rebels had planted bombs along the road. Some were already detonating, collapsing nearby shops and spreading fear through the town.
Mr Singh says he pressed on, reaching his fourth-floor office, where he received a second call from the same prisoner.
“Everyone’s running. What should I do?,” the inmate said.
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“If everyone’s escaping, you should too,” Mr Singh said.
Then he rode to the prison through the eerily empty streets. When he reached, he found the gates open. Rice pudding was strewn all over the kitchen, the cell doors were ajar. There was no jailor or policeman in sight.
In a room, two wounded policemen lay on the floor. Mr Singh says he also saw the bloodied body of Bade Sharma, the leader of the feared upper caste vigilante army of landlords called Ranvir Sena and a prisoner himself, lying on the floor. The police later said the rebels had shot him while leaving.
Lying on the floor and stuck to the walls were blood-stained handwritten pamphlets left behind by the rebels.
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“Through this symbolic action, we want to warn the state and central governments that if they arrest the revolutionaries and the struggling people and keep them in jail, then we also know how to free them from jail in a Marxist revolutionary way,” one pamphlet said.
Prashant Ravi
The invading rebels left behind a number of pamphlets when they left the prison
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A few months ago, I met Kanu, the 57-year-old rebel leader the police accuse of masterminding the jailbreak, in Patna, Bihar’s chaotic capital.
At the time of the incident, media reports painted him as “Bihar’s most wanted”, a figure commanding both fear and respect from the police.
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Officers recounted how the rebel “commander” instantly took control during the prison break once he was handed an AK-47 by his comrades.
In a dramatic turn, the reports said, he “expertly” handled the weapon, swiftly changing magazines before allegedly targeting and shooting Sharma. Fifteen months later, in February 2007, Kanu was arrested from a railway platform while he was travelling from Dhanbad in Bihar to the city of Kolkata.
Almost two decades later, Kanu has been acquitted in all but six of the original 45 criminal cases against him. Most of the cases stem from the jailbreak, including that of the murder of Sharma. He has served seven years in prison for one of the cases.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Kanu is unexpectedly talkative. He speaks in sharp, measured bursts, downplaying his role in the mass escape that made headlines. Now, this once-feared rebel is subtly shifting his gaze toward a different battle – a career in politics, “fighting for poor, backward castes”.
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As a child, Kanu spent his days and nights listening to stories from his lower-caste farmer father about Communist uprisings in Russia, China, and Indonesia. By eighth grade, his father’s comrades were urging him to embrace revolutionary politics. He says his defiance took root early – after scoring a goal against the local landlord’s son in a football match, armed upper-caste men stormed their home.
“I locked myself inside,” he recalls. “They came for me and my sister, ransacking the house, destroying everything. That’s how the upper castes kept us in check -through fear.”
Swastik Pal
Kanu is now eyeing a career in politics to protest against ‘upper caste exploitation’
In college, while studying political science, Kanu ironically led the student wing of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has waged a war against Maoism. After graduation, he co-founded a school, only to be forced out by the owner of the building. Upon returning to his village, tensions with the local landlord escalated. When a local strongman was murdered, Kanu, just 23, was named in the police complaint – and he went into hiding.
“Since then I have been on the run, most of my life. I left home early to mobilise workers and farmers, joined and went underground as a Maoist rebel,” he said. He joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), a radical communist group.
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“My profession was liberation – the liberation of the poor. It was about standing up against the atrocities of the upper castes. I fought for those enduring injustice and oppression.”
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In August 2002, with a feared reputation as a rebel leader and a three million rupees bounty on his head – an incentive for people to report his whereabouts if they spotted him – Kanu was on his way to meet underground leaders and plan new strategies.
He was about to reach his destination in Patna when a car overtook him at a busy intersection. “Within moments, men in plainclothes jumped out, guns drawn, ordering me to surrender. I didn’t resist – I gave up,” he said.
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AFP
Villagers in Jehanabad carrying guns in 2004 – the district was a hotbed of Maoists during the time
Over the next three years, Kanu was shuffled between jails as police feared his escape. “He had a remarkable reputation, the sharpest of them all,” a senior officer told me. In each jail, Kanu says he formed prisoner unions to protest against corruption – stolen rations, poor healthcare, bribery. In one prison, he led a three-day hunger strike. “There were clashes,” he says, “but I kept demanding better conditions”.
Kanu paints a stark picture of the overcrowding in Indian prisons, describing Jehanabad, which held more than double its intended capacity.
“There was no place to sleep. In my first barrack, 180 prisoners were crammed into a space meant for just 40. We devised a system to survive. Fifty of us would sleep for four hours while the others sat, waiting and chatting in the dark. When the four hours were up, another group would take their turn. That’s how we endured life inside those walls.”
In 2005, Kanu escaped during the infamous jailbreak.
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“We were waiting for dinner when gunfire erupted. Bombs, bullets – it was chaos,” he recalls. “The Maoists stormed in, yelling for us to flee. Everyone ran into the darkness. Should I have stayed behind and been killed?”
Many doubt the simplicity of Kanu’s claims.
“It wasn’t as simple as he makes it sound,” said a police officer. “Why was dinner being prepared late in the evening when it was usually cooked and served at dusk, with the cells locked up early? That alone raised suspicions of inside collusion.”
Interestingly many of of the prisoners who escaped were back in jail by mid-December – some voluntarily, others not. None of the rebels returned.
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When I asked Kanu whether he masterminded the escape, he smiled. “The Maoists freed us – it’s their job to liberate,” he said.
But when pressed again, Kanu fell silent.
The irony deepened as he finally shared a story from prison.
A police officer had once asked him if he was planning another escape.
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“Sir, does a thief ever tell you what he’s going to steal?” Kanu replied wryly.
His words hung in the air, coming from a man who insists he had no part in planning the jailbreak.
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye (MENAT), will be developing 43 new properties in 26 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Türkiye by 2026
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Nobody in Helen Hansford’s family understands why she’d accept a job at Westbury Park, not least as an art therapist. But Dr Gil Rudden, one of the mental-health facility’s senior psychiatrists, understands completely. The two are initially attracted by a mutually progressive attitude towards mental health and to the patients in their respective care. It’s 1964, and homosexuality, for example, is still considered an illness to be treated. As Gil points out, “most so-called mental disorders are just behaviour that society doesn’t approve of.”
Within weeks their fledgling relationship has become all-consuming. Although, married as Gil is with two children, “he could hardly be more unavailable.” Their connection deepens when they’re called out to a dilapidated home where an elderly woman, Louisa, lives in squalor with her adult nephew William. The latter either cannot or will not speak, and he doesn’t appear to have left their Croydon house in two decades. Louisa and William Tapper are Westbury Park’s newest patients, and to Helen’s delight, it emerges that William possesses a rare artistic talent.
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Shy Creatures establishes a laser-like focus on extraordinary lives set against the suburban postwar setting, just as she did in her novel Small Pleasures. That 2020 novel was a “personal resurrection story” for Chambers, some of whose previous books were out of print when it was published to wide acclaim. Now, her latest and 10th novel is published to real demand.
Chambers’ dialogue is particularly strong, as is the precise study of human interactions in all their subtlety and shades. Her world-building speaks to extensive research but displays a light touch, imbuing the atmosphere of the story and its inhabitants with the smoke of Woodbines, the soot of coal scuttles and bomb shelters not long out of commission. The Tappers’ house reveals “a long, dark hallway with bulging wallpaper the colour of raw liver”, while public attitudes are laid bare in all their double standards: Helen hears with a “jolt” the “venom” directed at Christine Keeler, the “vitriol her parents reserved for women who took up with married men”. Woven throughout is the risk of the facility’s closure, as the mid-20th-century drift towards de-institutionalisation begins with patients soon to be “turf[ed] back out” in a “revolving-door effect”.
We follow Helen as she attempts to unravel the mystery of the silent patient. Interspersed among her chapters are those of William himself. “It’s difficult to get an accurate picture of their life together,” Gil observes of the man and his aunt. “Was he a prisoner or a recluse? Was she?” This picture develops gradually via snapshots of formative experiences, moments of fear and ostracisation, past friendships, school days. The central mystery hinges on William’s past and the origin of his impressive creative skill. His drawings are born from quiet contemplation and observation — in much the same way as he, at Westbury Park, is now observed. Structurally, however, while the first two-thirds linger compellingly on vignette-like scenes, taking their time, the final chapters feel rushed and too busy with revelation.
William’s past, as it unfolds, enables Helen to react against the corset-like confines of a society that turns inward all too often and shuts its doors, one where the threat of “busybodies” and “interference” are a constant fear, and “nervous collapse” the ultimate shame. Through subplots involving her niece, Lorraine, and a lonely downstairs neighbour — “of whom she knew so little, and the other inhabitants of the flats, strangers all” — she observes the “curious bond” needed to create true community and, ultimately, a sense of the bonds she herself must break or make to find her own.
Luxury real estate has an undeniable appeal, whether it is for the prestige, the lifestyle, or the investment potential. For example, real estate in Limassol offers stunning waterfront properties with breathtaking views and proximity to vibrant city life, making it an attractive option for those looking to combine luxury living with a solid investment.
But before you dive headfirst into this high-end market, there are some important factors to consider. Yes, luxury real estate can offer significant financial rewards, but it’s not without its challenges. Let’s break it down with a touch of practicality.
What Makes a Property “Luxury”?
Essentially, it refers to properties at the top end of the market in terms of price, features, and location. True luxury homes often include a prime location (think beachfront or city centre), top-quality finishes, and unique design elements.
The word “exclusive” is key—whether it’s a gated community, a secluded mansion, or a penthouse in a highly sought-after building, luxury real estate is meant to offer something rare and coveted.
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The Financial Benefits of Investing in Luxury Real Estate
Capital Appreciation
Luxury properties often hold their value well—especially in prime locations with limited availability. Over time, these homes can appreciate significantly, making them an attractive long-term investment. This is particularly true in markets with high demand and little room for expansion.
Rental Income Potential
A major draw of luxury real estate is the potential for rental income. High-net-worth renters often seek premium properties for short or long-term stays—vacation homes, corporate rentals, or even long-term residences. For instance, if you own a villa in a vacation hotspot like Cyprus or Ibiza, you can charge top dollar for weekly rentals during peak season.
Tax Benefits
In some places, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and even certain maintenance costs. Additionally, if you rent out your property, you might qualify for further tax breaks related to rental expenses and depreciation.
Lifestyle Benefits of Owning Luxury Real Estate
Luxury real estate isn’t just about making smart financial decisions—there’s a lifestyle element to it, too. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a certain way of living.
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Prestige and Social Status
Owning a luxury property is often seen as a marker of success. It’s a status symbol that reflects personal achievement and financial stability. Beyond that, living in a high-end home in a prestigious neighbourhood often comes with certain social advantages, whether it’s networking opportunities, invitations to exclusive events, or simply the sense of pride that comes from knowing you’ve “made it.”
Top-Notch Amenities
Luxury properties are synonymous with luxury amenities. We’re talking infinity pools, private gyms, gourmet kitchens, smart home systems, movie theatres, and sometimes even wine cellars or indoor basketball courts. These homes are designed for people who appreciate the finer things in life and want access to every convenience without ever leaving the house.
Customization and Uniqueness
One of the most satisfying aspects of owning luxury real estate is the level of customization available. Many luxury properties are built or renovated to suit the owner’s specific tastes, meaning you get to live in a home that’s truly your own. Whether you want an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, a sprawling garden, or cutting-edge design, a luxury home allows you to create the perfect space tailored to your lifestyle.
Risks of Investing in Luxury Real Estate
Of course, no investment is without its risks, and luxury real estate is no exception. While the rewards can be substantial, it’s important to go into the process with your eyes wide open.
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Market Volatility
Unlike the mid-tier market, which tends to move more gradually, high-end real estate can be significantly affected by economic shifts, political changes, and even global events. During a recession or housing market crash, luxury properties can take longer to sell, and buyers may have to accept lower-than-expected offers.
High Maintenance Costs
Large gardens, pools, and specialized systems like smart home technology or custom lighting require constant upkeep, and you’ll likely need to hire professionals to maintain everything. Also, insurance premiums on luxury homes are typically higher, especially if the home has unique or high-risk features (like waterfront access or a large collection of rare art).
Illiquidity
Luxury real estate isn’t the most liquid asset. It can take months, or even years, to sell a high-end property, especially in a slow market. This means that if you need to access your capital quickly, selling a property might not be the best option.
Credit: Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash
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How to Approach Investing in Luxury Real Estate
If you’re seriously considering investing in high-end real estate, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision:
Understand the market: Before making any investment, spend time learning about the specific market you’re interested in. Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Are property values on the rise or in decline? You’ll want to have a clear picture of the current market trends.
Location is everything: A high-end property in a desirable neighbourhood will always hold more value than a comparable property in a less popular area.
Think long-term: Real estate is generally a long-term investment. Don’t expect to flip a property for quick cash unless you’re extremely lucky or have a keen understanding of market timing.
Wrapping It All Up
Investing in luxury real estate offers a blend of financial rewards and lifestyle benefits that can be highly attractive, but it’s important to weigh the risks carefully. The potential for capital appreciation and rental income is significant, but so are the maintenance costs and market volatility.
Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah militants and opening a new front in a yearlong war against its Iranian-backed adversaries. (AP video by Sam McNeil)
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Abu Dhabi’s national oil company has agreed a €14.7bn deal to buy German chemicals group Covestro in one of the largest European takeovers this year.
Adnoc, which has been pursuing Covestro since last year, has offered €62 per share for the German company. It will also inject €1.17bn of new money into the chemicals group.
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Adnoc chief executive Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “As a global leader and industrial pioneer in chemicals, Covestro brings unmatched expertise in high-tech speciality chemicals and materials, using advanced technologies including AI.”
Covestro initially rejected offers of below €60 a share and then debated whether its sustainability drive would be undermined by ownership by Adnoc.
Markus Steilemann, chief executive of Covestro, said: “With Adnoc International’s support, we will have an even stronger foundation for sustainable growth in highly attractive sectors and can make an even greater contribution to the green transformation.”
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Adnoc said it had asked the Covestro management team to stay on after the completion of the deal. It also said it would support “the commitments made to Covestro’s employees and has undertaken to uphold existing works council, collective bargaining, and similar agreements”.
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