Inmates of Basti district jail were reported to be enjoying social media sites and were not only sharing jokes and other messages but also uploading their selfies.
Interestingly, the jail authorities preferred to keep their eyes shut but the inmates claimed that they had to pay a `price’ for the luxury.
The sensational fact came to light when for murder accused lodged in Basti district jail recently uploaded their selfies on social media site `Facebook’. Four accused taken their selfies and uploaded on Facebook ID opened in the name of `Vishal Upadhya’. The photos clearly showed that the selfies were taken inside the jail.
Sources said that at present, about 1000 inmates were lodged in Basti district jail against the total capacity of 450. To enjoy homely comfort and to remain in contact with friends and family, the undertrials grease the palms of jail staff. A hefty sum was also paid to the jail staff for facilitating video chat and to operate criminal activities.
Interestingly, Jailer Anil Kumar confirmed to some local media persons that the selfies were taken inside the jail but to conceal that mobile phone was openly being used inside, said that it was possible that someone who came to meet his kin managed to carry a phone inside and after taking the selfie left the premises before uploading them on Facebook.
The Jailer however failed to convince that even if his statement was to be believed, how could anyone carry a mobile phone inside a jail and openly click pictures in the presence of jail staff. Senior jail officials have failed to take cognizance of the matter so far.