PARADIP: Troubled by the huge seizure of cellphones and SIMs, the police and district administration are contemplating installation of CCTVs at the two sub-jails in the district. The administration has sought assistance from Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) for the purpose.
The Home Department (prison) had planned to install CCTVs in sub-jails of the State, but it is going to be a long-drawn process. With criminals calling the shots from the jails and phones being stealthily supplied to them, the administration felt the need to tighten security at the earliest.
It is alleged that the criminals often terrorise jail officials over demands for food, cellphones, drugs and luxury items. The recent raids and recovery of the same from Allipingal sub-jail hinted at the prevailing dangerous practice. It is learnt that one jail superintendent was earlier arrested by the local police for supplying these items.
The audacity of the criminals can be gauged from the fact that a warder of Allipingal sub-jail was shot at recently by unidentified miscreants. The warder, Debendra Swain, had restricted the use of cellphones, drugs, luxury and food items inside the jail.
Similarly, Kujang sub-jail that houses some dreaded criminals requires immediate renovation for security reasons.
The CCTVs, once installed, would ensure footage of all persons meeting the prisoners and enable conferencing between jails and police. These cameras will be fitted near the jail gates, boundary walls and meeting rooms. Jail wards, cells and bathrooms will be exempted.
SP S Devdatta Singh said the police along with the district administration have decided to renovate these two sub-jails on security grounds. “We have sought financial assistance from PPL and IFFCO to install CCTVs in the two jails. We hope to execute the plan after getting a nod from the two fertilizer companies,” he added.