450 mobiles recovery during 2024 in Ferozepur Jail Crackdown; Fresh seizure sparks probe into security lapses

17 mobiles including 3 unclaimed recoveries from 10 inmates

450 mobiles recovery during 2024 in Ferozepur Jail Crackdown; Fresh seizure sparks probe into security lapses

Ferozepur, November 8, 2024: A significant security breach in Ferozepur Jail has led to a case being registered under Sections 42 and 52A of the Prisons Act following a complaint by the Jail superintendent with the recovery of 17 mobiles including 3 unclaimed. During a routine inspection, jail authorities uncovered multiple mobile phones and banned substances in the possession of 11 inmates.

In addition to 17 mobiles, the other banned items confiscated were13 packets of “Cheeni Khaini” (tobacco), 14 bundles of “bidi” (hand-rolled cigarettes), and 65 sachets of “zarda” (chewing tobacco).

The total number of mobiles recovered during the current year, including today’s 17 mobiles, is 450, besides other banned items. The month-wise recoveries of mobiles were 71 in January, 35 in February, 49 in March, 26 in April, 24 in May, 44 in June, 58 in July, 42 in August, 44 in September, 40 in October, and 17 in November.

The inmates found with these prohibited items include Laddi from Basti Bhutiyanwali, Satnam Singh from Chak Mahintan, Major Singh from Dhani Magh Singh, Gurucharan Singh from Mussiawali, Dawinder Saini from near DAV School, Dharminder Singh alias Fouji, Harpreet Singh from Gwal Mandi, Gurbhej Singh of Chotala Tarn Taran, Rohit of Lubad, Chanchal of Sanjay Gandhi Colony Amritsar and unidentified persons.

Sub-Inspector Sarwan Singh has been appointed as the investigating officer (IO) to investigate how these items were smuggled into the prison despite strict protocols. Authorities are reported to be probing potential lapses and reviewing surveillance footage.

To curb contraband in the jail and to prevent future breaches, the authorities must introduce advanced screening metal detectors at entry points, strengthen vigilance and surveillance, especially in visitor areas, restrict visitation rights or conduct a video-call only meeting for inmates previously involved in smuggling incidents besides arranging to reinforce staff training on search techniques and contraband detection for all jail staff.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing the inflow of banned items into jails and underscores the need for stringent measures to ensure prison security.