960 cellphones seized in Amritsar jail last year

As many as 960 mobile phones were confiscated in Amritsar Central Jail last year. The number is more than double the seizures (450) recorded in 2023. Throwing of various items into the jail from outside (fenka) posed a major challenge to the prison authorities.

The authorities plan to enhance the jail security with the installation of “V-Kavach” jammers. The state government has already accorded approval for the procurement and installation of these jammers following a nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Three jammers would be installed around the barracks of high-risk prisoners, including gangsters and cross-border drug peddlers.

“The jammers would be put in place over the next couple of months,” said Jail Superintendent Hemant Sharma. “With new jammers and the existing Harmonious Call Blocking System, we expect to cover over 90 per cent of the prison area, thereby scaling down phone use inside the prison,” he added.

Besides blocking mobile phone signals, these jammers would also be helpful in anti-IED, anti-drone and electronics jamming, he said.

Amritsar Central Jail is surrounded by densely populated Anngarh and Fatahpura areas that are notorious for drug peddling. Unscrupulous elements often throw prohibited material, including cell phones, into the jail premises.

In a joint operation with the Central jail authorities, the police managed to bust a three-member gang involved in throwing various items inside the jail complex recently.

The involvement of insiders also came to light when the jail authorities nabbed three prison guards on the charge of sneaking mobile phones into the prison.

Sharma said the jail authorities, along with the city police, have stepped up security around the jail. Quick response teams have also been deputed to apprehend miscreants approaching near the jail. Inside the jail, prisoners with good conduct have been deputed as “nigran” (watchmen) for keeping a close eye on suspicious elements.

“With renewed efforts, we have managed to curb the ‘fenka’ problem. There has been only one such incident this month,” added the Jail Superintendent.