Asia’s largest prison Tihar and one of the highly secured prisons is now a new destination for smokers and dopeheads. A hardened criminal was found using a cell phone inside Jail No. 5 of Tihar during a surprise inspection. He was also found in possession of `10,000 in cash and 10 gram hashish.
A biker was later caught with cigarettes and contraband outside Tihar. He was later identified as a supplier. Criminals being caught with cell phones and other contraband inside Tihar is not breaking news.
On earlier occasions as well, mobile phones and drugs were seized but they continue to be smuggled inside the barracks with the expressed complicity of jail staff.
Tihar Prisons, which stakes claim to the stringest security checks and surveillance, has been found wanting in maintaining a code of conduct in accordance with prison manual. Recently, a surprise check was conducted on August 23 in the high security ward in Jail No. 5. Dreaded criminal and notorious extortionist Neeraj Bawana was lodged in Ward 9, Cell 10 at Jail No. 5 along with Virender Singh and Surender.
When officials reached the cell, they observed a floor tile out of place. On closer inspection, officials unearthed a Samsung mobile phone and charger, two SIM cards, `10,000 and around 12 gram of banned psychotropic.
The items confiscated were produced before the Jail Superintendent. A case has also been registered at Hari Nagar Police Station and since the recovered substance is a banned drug, necessary action would be taken against the three accused.
In another incident reported from the Jail premises on August 25, a Head Constable spotted a black Pulsar bike outside the Command Room toilet near Jail No. 2. One of them holding a black bag took to his heels. The officials, along with help from other policeman deployed outside the Jail, caught up with them. They were later identified as Sikander and Mohit. When the bag was searched, a liquor bottle, cigarettes were found in it. In the pockets of one of the accused, hashish too was found. Sources revealed that the duo had plans to smuggle the hash and other assorted material stuffed in a sock to an accomplice lodged in Jail No. 1.
“Investigations are underway. We are still trying to ascertain the exact suppliers and awaiting a detailed report,” said Sunil Gupta PRO,
Tihar Prisons.