Recovery of 6 mobiles, banned items from 6 Jail inmates, sparks security concerns
Ferozepur, June 30, 2025: A routine surprise search operation at Ferozepur Central Jail led to the recovery of six mobile phones and several banned items, including six bidis and one sachet of zarda (chewing tobacco). The search was carried out in various parts of the jail — including barracks, canteen, bathrooms, and near the outer walls — and was linked to five undertrial prisoners: Amarjit Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Luvpreet Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, and Zafar, along with one convict, Rajwinder Singh alias Fateh.
According to jail officials, mobile phones and other banned items are often smuggled in during visitation hours or when prisoners return from parole, due to inadequate security checks at entry points. In some cases, contraband is thrown over the high outer walls of the jail — a tactic made easier by the jail’s location in a densely populated residential area with multi-storey buildings. Authorities suspect that locals may be colluding with inmates in these smuggling attempts.
Investigations reveal that these throws are often pre-planned, with the items tossed at designated spots and later retrieved by inmates. However, jail authorities emphasise that frequent and unannounced inspections are key to disrupting these illegal operations, creating fear among offenders and reinforcing the message that such activities will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
The rising number of contraband recoveries continues to be a serious concern. In 2025, between January and May, 269 mobile phones were confiscated, with 26 more recovered in June, including the most recent seizure. In comparison, 510 mobile phones were recovered throughout 2024, alongside numerous other prohibited materials.
A case has been registered under Sections 52A and 42 of the Prisons Act based on a complaint by the Assistant Superintendent of Jail. Further investigations are underway, led by Investigating Officer Gurdip Singh.