Jodhpur: Jodhpur Central Jail, known for housing gangsters, terrorists, film celebrities, and high-profile convicts, has again been in the spotlight with Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk as its latest inmate. Wangchuk was brought to Jodhpur on Friday night and taken directly to the jail under tight security.

Jail authorities and police officials have remained tight-lipped about the specific arrangements for Wangchuk or the reasons for transferring him to the desert state’s secure facility. A source told TOI that Wangchuk has been kept in a separate cell in complete isolation and is being attended to directly by jail staff within his cell.

Security arrangements

Outside the jail, a police team from Ratanada police station has been maintaining a close watch on activities at the jail entrance. On Saturday morning, they detained a person, Vijay Pal from Sujangarh, who reportedly came to the jail to express support for Wangchuk as a “true nationalist.”

Authorities have also been monitoring the jail using CCTV cameras linked to the police control room.

Jodhpur Jail’s historical significance

Jodhpur Central Jail has long been recognised for its high-security arrangements. During the peak of terrorism in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir in the 1980s, militants and separatists were housed here due to its layered security mechanism.

The jail has also held several high-profile figures:

  • Asaram, convicted of rape in 2018, has been in custody since 2013.
  • Film actor Salman Khan served five days here following his first blackbuck poaching conviction in 2006 and one day after his second conviction in 2018.
  • Notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi spent a few months here before being transferred to Ajmer Jail.
  • Former Rajasthan ministers Mahipal Maderna and Malkhan Singh Bishnoi were lodged here during the high-profile Bhanwari Devi abduction and murder case in 2011.

Present situation

Wangchuk’s transfer and confinement in isolation underscore the jail’s continued reputation for housing high-profile and sensitive inmates. The exact duration of his stay and further legal proceedings have not been disclosed, and officials continue to maintain strict confidentiality regarding his security and health arrangements.

Conclusion

With its long history of housing convicts ranging from terrorists to celebrities and politicians, Jodhpur Central Jail remains one of India’s most secure correctional facilities. The admission of Sonam Wangchuk once again highlights its role in managing high-profile cases under tight security protocols.