Plans to shift the Mangaluru District Jail to Bantwal taluk are progressing, with 63 acres and 89 cents in Cheluru and Kurnadu villages earmarked for a new high-security central prison. The Rs 110 crore project, designed for 1,009 inmates, aims to enhance security, given the presence of underworld-linked prisoners in the existing facility.
Project Status & Funding
Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that a compound wall costing Rs 2.1 crore has been completed. The first phase of construction is done, while the PWD Mangaluru division has submitted a Rs 195 crore estimate for the second phase. Work will proceed based on fund availability to facilitate the jail’s relocation.
Security Measures
Authorities have intensified security at the current jail, addressing drug smuggling incidents. The Barke police registered nine cases related to drug supply within the premises. Additionally, an unidentified package was thrown over the jail’s boundary.
The KSISF (Karnataka State Industrial Security Force) personnel conduct strict checks at the entrance and visitor areas, alongside surprise inspections inside cells. Advanced security gear, including deep search metal detectors, door-frame detectors, body-worn cameras, and FG-1 security poles, has been deployed.
Current Jail Population
As of March 14, the district jail houses 352 inmates (331 men, 21 women) and is managed by 210 staff (200 men, 10 women).
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