Alert jail staff seize 13 mobiles; 19 prisoners booked in Central Jail crackdown
Ferozepur, June 10, 2025: In a major security operation inside Central Jail, alert officials recovered 13 mobile phones from inmates during two separate search operations. The recovery, aimed at curbing unauthorised communication and potential illegal activities, led to the booking of 19 under-trial prisoners under Section 52A of the Prisons Act.
The seized mobile phones were allegedly being used by prisoners to stay connected with the outside world, including family, friends, and even criminal networks. The growing trend of prohibited items entering the jail highlights a serious concern regarding security arrangements at entry points. Authorities have, on multiple occasions, noticed the involvement of jail staff, including those in the hospital section, in facilitating the entry of contraband items.
Security agencies emphasise that restricting mobile usage inside prison requires advanced technology such as internet blocking measures and stringent policies on visitation and parole, particularly for individuals caught possessing such items.
Following the recent raids, 19 prisoners have been formally booked, identified as Akashveer Singh alias Gagan, Lakhwinder Singh, Rohit Kumar, Gurjant Singh, Manjit Singh, Amandeep Kumar alias Sakoda, Satnam Singh alias Sattu, Sukhwinder Singh alias Kala, Satnamjeet Singh, Ranjit Singh alias Rana, Kuldeep Kumar alias Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh, Japan Singh, Surinder Singh alias Kali, Sandeep Singh alias Seepa, Gurinder Singh, and Karan alias Nijja. The complaint was filed by the Assistant Superintendent of Jail at the City Police Station.
The rising incidents of contraband recovery continue to be a major concern for prison authorities. In 2025 alone, a staggering 269 mobile phones were confiscated between January and May, with 19 more recovered in June, including the latest seizure. Comparatively, 510 mobile phones were recovered throughout 2024, alongside numerous other prohibited items.
Authorities are under increasing pressure to strengthen security measures, prevent smuggling of restricted items, and dismantle the networks operating both inside and outside the prison system.