Acting on Election Commission concerns that incarcerated poll aspirants could affect poll process by the use of cell phones from within the dungeons, Additional Director General (Prison) Gopal lal Meena has directed officials to immediately check the use of phones inside jails.
The EC had earlier sent a missive to the state government directing that the use of mobile phones by jailed aspirants for carrying out their campaigns, be curbed to ensure free and fair elections.
The ADG dashed off a circular to all top cops, jail in-charges and senior Prison brass instructing that no jail official / personnel including Senior Superintendent / Superintendent / Medical Officer/ Wardens /Deputy Wardens/ Pharmacists / Clerks / Jail Guards or lower staff should carry cell phones inside the jail premises. The existing Jail manual also prohibits officers from carrying their mobile phones.
Meena pointed out that a warden in the presence of Jailor had called him from his private number from the jail premises which claerly indicates that officials/ personnel were freely using private cell phones from inside the jails.
He also said that besides mobile phones, he has also learnt of large scale supply of drugs, liquor, hash, gambling, betting etc going on freely inside the prisons with the active connivance of jail officials, mainly Prsion guards.
The ADG said that many mafia, criminals were also using their cell phones for extorting money or even to terrorise government officials to award contracts in favour of their henchmen.
Warning Jail officials against facilitating jail inmates with facilities and help them in running their nefarious activities, Meena said that in case he got any complaint, a report from district police chief would be sought. In case the information is found to be true, then stern action will be initiated against the officials and jail in-charges for criminal conspiracy.
The ADG also expressed concern on Jail Superintendents not taking cognizance of reports of use of cell phones inside the jail despite it being highlighted from time to time.
Meena also sent a letter to Inspector General of Special Task Force (STF) requesting him to keep a tab on Jail officials facilitating inmates with facilities. The EC had asked Jail officials to strictly comply with Jail Manual norms and those ignoring the norms will have to face strict action once the dates for next Assembly polls were announced.