Bengaluru: As part of the ongoing “Prison Reforms Awareness Campaign”, prison authorities conducted a surprise inspection at the Central Prison on Saturday, leading to the seizure of five mobile phones and six SIM cards from within the prison premises. The inspection forms part of intensified efforts by the prison department to curb the use of prohibited items and dismantle illegal communication networks operating inside prisons.
According to officials, the inspection was carried out between 12.20 pm and 4.20 pm and involved a thorough search of select barracks and common areas. During the operation, officials recovered five mobile phones, six SIM cards, one charger cable and one earphone, all of which are strictly banned inside prison facilities.
Crackdown under prison reforms campaign
Prison officials said the surprise inspection was conducted under the Prison Reforms Awareness Campaign, which aims to strengthen prison security, enforce discipline and create awareness among inmates about prison rules and legal consequences of violations.
“The inspection was part of routine but intensified checks being carried out across prisons. Such surprise inspections are essential to prevent the misuse of mobile phones and other contraband that can pose serious security threats,” a senior prison official said.
Mobile phones inside prisons are considered a major concern as they can be used by inmates to coordinate criminal activities, intimidate witnesses, threaten victims or maintain links with organised crime networks outside prison walls.
Case registered under Karnataka Prisons Act
Following the seizure, a case has been registered against those allegedly involved in smuggling the prohibited items into the prison, individuals who assisted in facilitating their entry, and the inmates who were found using the banned articles.
The case has been booked under Section 42 of the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act, 2022, along with other relevant provisions of law. Section 42 deals with offences relating to the introduction and possession of prohibited articles inside prisons and prescribes stringent penalties for those found guilty.
Officials said investigations are underway to determine how the mobile phones and SIM cards were smuggled into the prison and whether any prison staff or outsiders were involved in the racket.
Rising seizures highlight scale of problem
Prison authorities revealed that the crackdown on prison contraband has been significantly intensified since November last year, yielding substantial results. Between November 26 and Saturday this year, a total of 24 FIRs have been registered in connection with the recovery of prohibited items from prisons.
During this period, officials have seized 126 mobile phones and 98 SIM cards from various prison facilities. These figures, officials said, highlight the scale of illegal communication networks that have been operating inside prison premises despite restrictions.
“The numbers are alarming and show how persistent and organised these attempts are. We are committed to eliminating such networks through continuous monitoring and strict enforcement,” a prison department official said.
Focus on accountability and surveillance
Officials said steps are being taken to strengthen surveillance mechanisms within prisons, including increased use of technology, stricter frisking procedures and surprise inspections at regular intervals. Greater accountability is also being enforced to identify lapses in security.
The prison department is also focusing on counselling inmates and creating awareness about the legal consequences of possessing or using prohibited items, as part of broader prison reform measures.
Conclusion
The latest seizure at the Central Prison underscores the challenges faced by prison authorities in preventing the inflow of contraband, particularly mobile phones and SIM cards. With intensified inspections, stricter enforcement of the Karnataka Prisons Act and sustained vigilance, officials hope to curb illegal activities inside prisons and ensure better security and reform-oriented administration.