Following the Centre's communication to nine Maoist-affected States, including Odisha, to tighten security in prisons where rebel leaders have been lodged, State Home Secretary Bipin Saxena on Wednesday said that a security alert would be sounded in the jails and a close vigil on the Maoist activities in and outside of the jails would be kept.
The Union Home Ministry told the States that the Maoists have become desperate to get their jailed leaders freed as only a few leaders are still at large and active. They might attack on the jails to free their leaders, it added.
In Odisha, there are many Maoist leaders cooling their heels in the jails. Koraput circle jail, which had faced an attack earlier in 2004, is now housing 43 Maoists including dreaded Maoist leader Ghasi.
"We are prepared to tackle the situation by taking strong steps. We have increased security level of jails after the Central Government's order. We are taking extra steps for the sensitive jails," said DIG Devdutt Singh.
Keeping in view the possible attack on jails to release Maoists cadres, the Sambalpur circle jail authorities have become extra careful on security aspect. "We are as careful as ever. However, we have taken extra measures to curb any such attacks from the Maoists to release their cadres staying here," informed Sambalpur circle jail jailor
SK Rout.
Similarly, there are 15 Maoists lodged in Parlakhemundi Jail, 10 including Prashant Munda in Rourkela Jail, and 12 in Bonei Jail. Besides, many Maoist leaders are imprisoned in Brahmapur Central Jail, Rayagada Jail, Nayagarh Jail and Jharpada Jail.