8 mobiles seized from Ferozepur Central Jail, raising concerns over security lapses
Harish Monga
Ferozepur (Punjab), October 26, 2025: In a recent late-night search operation at Ferozepur Central Jail, authorities recovered eight mobile phones—including both touchscreen and keypad models—along with SIM cards and batteries from nine undertrial prisoners. The seizure, registered under Section 52-A of the Prisons Act at the City Police Station following a complaint by the Assistant Superintendent, has once again highlighted persistent security challenges within the facility.
The inmates involved in the incident were identified as Karabir Singh, Sanmukh Singh, Karan Singh, Gora, Ramandeep Singh, Sagar, Ajay, Guyrjan Singh, and Ram Singh.
This recovery underscores an alarming upward trend in the smuggling of banned items, particularly mobile phones, into the jail, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the three-layer security system and the vigilance of jail staff.
Records reveal a steady increase in mobile phone recoveries over recent years: 70 in 2019, 130 in 2020, 265 in 2021, 437 in 2022, 469 in 2023, 510 in 2024, and 535 in 2025 as of October, including the latest haul of eight phones. The data points to a growing challenge in curbing the influx of contraband, with mobile phones remaining among the most sought-after items by inmates.
Authorities also noted a significant decline in recoveries during the recent flood season, when visitation to inmates was restricted due to logistical challenges. This correlation has prompted jail officials to consider stricter measures, including limiting visitation rights for inmates found in possession of banned items, as a potential deterrent to contraband smuggling.