A fresh security breach has come to light at Kolkata’s Presidency Correctional Facility after prison officials recovered three mobile phones, two routers and other electronic equipment from the cell of life-sentenced prisoner Aftab Ahmed Ansari. The search also led to the recovery of ₹31,000 in cash in 500 notes, raising questions about how the items reached his cell.
Search after police received information
The search was carried out at cell number 14 after police received information that Aftab was using a mobile phone inside the jail. Sources said he was also accessing the internet from inside the prison.
During the search, three phones were found hidden among Aftab’s clothes and bedding. Officials also recovered two routers, a Wi-Fi device, two card readers, a pen drive and earphones.
The jail authorities have filed a complaint at Hastings Police Station, following which a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.
Police checking WhatsApp and Telegram links
Investigators are now trying to establish who Aftab was communicating with from inside the jail. They are checking whether he used WhatsApp and Telegram to make calls or exchange messages.
Police are also examining whether he had any communication with people in other countries, particularly Pakistan. At the same time, investigators are trying to find out how the phones, routers and other equipment entered the prison.
Officials are also looking into whether any prison staff or another inmate helped Aftab obtain the devices. The source of the ₹31,000 found in his cell is also being examined.
Presidency Jail has faced similar issues
The recovery comes after several earlier incidents involving mobile phones inside the Presidency Correctional Facility. On 15th May, Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari announced the demolition of what he called the jail’s “dove’s nest” and accused the former ruling camp of helping mobile phones reach inmates.
A subsequent search of the prison resulted in the recovery of several phones. The Superintendent and Chief Controller of the Presidency Correctional Facility were suspended, and the CID was assigned to investigate the matter.
Who Is Aftab Ahmed Ansari?
Aftab Ahmed Ansari is serving a life sentence for the 22nd January 2002 attack on the American Centre in Kolkata. He was initially sentenced to death, but the Supreme Court later commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment.
The recovery of multiple phones along with internet equipment and cash has once again raised concerns over security and monitoring inside the high-security facility.
