Phones, weapons recovered from jail

The Jalpaiguri correctional home

TT, 17 January 2018, Jalpaiguri: A number of smart phones, cannabis, sharp weapons and ropes were seized by authorities of the central correctional home in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday late evening as they conducted a surprise search in cells.

"During the search, we have seized 30 smart phones and five cellphones, 3.5kg cannabis, knifes and daggers, ropes and even spoons from the cells. The seizure indicates that there have been some lapses in vigilance. Officers have been instructed to take necessary steps to prevent entry of such items to the correctional home," said Kalyan Kumar Pramanik, the additional inspector general of state correctional services.

The seizure has left the authorities surprised, who are now planning to install CCTV cameras and start patrolling in the surrounding areas of the home.

A team of 40 guards posted at the prison was engaged to conduct the search in cells.

A source said there was a patch of vegetation behind the correctional home from where pouches containing cellphones and narcotics were tossed inside.

"There are some lapses and we have decided to start cycle patrolling in areas surrounding the correctional home. We will also take help from the police. Simultaneously, CCTV cameras would be installed at all points of the prison. Further, individual search of inmates, as they return from court or hospital, will be made strict," said Subhabrata Chatterjee, jailor of the central correctional home.

As of now, the jail has around 1,350 prisoners.

The seizure has also led to questions in administrative circles. "No inmate is allowed to keep cell phones. If they carry such items, even the security of the correctional home can get compromised. It is surprising that inmates are keeping narcotics and sharp weapons inside, which indicates the lack of proper vigilance," said a police officer.