Persistent smuggling of mobiles, banned items raises security concerns in Ferozepur Jail
Ferozepur, February 11, 2025: Despite stringent security measures, the smuggling of mobile phones and other prohibited items continues unabated inside Ferozepur Jail, posing a serious security threat. In a recent search operation conducted by the Jail Superintendent, six mobile phones, 945 red-coloured capsules, 10 charger wires, three charger adapters, and 16 sachets of tobacco were recovered.
The mobile phones were seized from five inmates identified as Gurmanpreet Singh, Jaswinder Singh, Sukhwinder Singh alias Ladi, and Devi Lal. Meanwhile, the remaining contraband items were found unclaimed, likely thrown over the high walls from outside and detected by alert jail staff.
This is not an isolated incident. In January alone, authorities confiscated 116 mobile phones along with other banned items. Over the past year, a staggering 510 mobile phones were seized from the jail premises.
Despite these recoveries, sources reveal that follow-up investigations into such cases are rare, except for high-profile incidents. The process of taking prisoners into remand for interrogation is often avoided due to a shortage of staff and security concerns. In such circumstances, the matter ends with the registration of cases under the relevant sections of the Prisons Act.
The persistent influx of mobile phones inside the jail undermines the very purpose of incarceration. While inmates use these devices to stay connected with their families, they are also widely exploited for illegal activities. To maintain the integrity of the prison system, a foolproof mechanism must be implemented to completely restrict the entry of banned items and curb security breaches.