The committee set up to review security arrangements in prisons has made 30 recommendations to the State government. The committee, headed by DGP CID Bipin Gopalakrishna, submitted the report on Tuesday. The report suggested the use of technology, including high-end CCTV cameras and real time monitoring.
The committee consisting ADGP (law and order) S N Megharik and Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) S Ravi visited prisons in Sabarmati, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. The team visited Yerawada jail in Pune, Alipore jail in Kolkata, Arthur Road jail in Mumbai and central prisons in Chennai and other places. The team reportedly collected information about the security arrangements in these prisons and compared them with the security system in state prisons.
A Home Department source confirmed that the report has been submitted on Tuesday evening. Sources said the report suggested 30 recommendations to enhance the security measures in the prisons across the state, especially in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. The committee was formed after the sensational escape of serial rapist Jaishankar from the Parappana Agarahara prison on September 1.
Sources said, in its report the committee listed 10 recommendations as immediate steps to be taken with regard to the security arrangements. It is up to the State government to consider for implementation with regard to 20 other general recommendations.
The report stated Jaishankar’s escape from the Parapana Agrahara prison was due to negligence of around 50 security guards, who were present on the duty.
Sources said that in every beat the prison has 50 security guards on duty. The prison has 4,000 inmates with a majority of under trials than convicts. The committee also recommended prison uniform even for under trials. The report has discussed in detail about steps to be taken to curtail smuggling of mobile phones inside the prison. The committee also suggested the use of technology, including high-end CCTV cameras and screens for real time monitoring of the footages. Due to staff crunch, use of technology is the only way to keep a watch on 4,000 prisoners, the report added.