Mangaluru: Authorities have begun installing a 12-foot-high wire mesh fence above the compound wall of the district jail at Kodialbail in Mangaluru as part of a major security upgrade to prevent mobile phones, narcotic substances and other prohibited items from being thrown into the prison from outside.
The project, being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) with funding from the Department of Prisons, is estimated to cost Rs 50 lakh. Work commenced a few days ago after the completion of the tender process and other administrative formalities.
Officials said the new security measure is aimed at plugging one of the major routes through which contraband has repeatedly found its way into the prison despite existing surveillance and security arrangements.
Fence to strengthen prison security
The Mangaluru district jail is presently surrounded by a 15-foot-high stone compound wall topped with a two-foot wire fence.
However, prison authorities have reported several incidents in which people standing on the road outside the prison allegedly threw mobile phones, ganja and other banned items into the jail premises.
The contraband was typically packed inside plastic bags, tied to stones and hurled over the compound wall, making it easier for inmates to retrieve the prohibited materials from within the prison premises.
To prevent such incidents, the authorities have decided to install an additional 12-foot-high wire mesh above the existing wall, significantly increasing the overall height and security of the boundary.
Mesh designed to block all objects
District Jail Superintendent Sharana Basappa said the newly installed wire mesh has been specially designed to prevent any object from entering the prison from outside.
“The newly installed wire fence will extend about 12 feet above the compound wall. This will make it almost impossible for anyone to throw objects into the jail. Moreover, the mesh openings are so small that even a small stone will not be able to pass through,” he said.
Officials believe the additional barrier will effectively eliminate attempts to throw contraband into the prison from nearby roads or adjoining areas.
Strict screening already in place
Security at the Mangaluru district jail is managed by personnel of the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF).
Every visitor entering the prison is subjected to mandatory screening and security checks before being allowed inside.
According to prison authorities, KSISF personnel have on several occasions detected and intercepted individuals attempting to smuggle mobile phones, narcotic substances and other prohibited articles into the jail through authorised entry points.
The installation of the new wire mesh is expected to complement these existing security measures by preventing external attempts to supply contraband to inmates.
Overcrowding remains a challenge
Apart from strengthening security, prison authorities are also dealing with severe overcrowding at the district jail.
The Mangaluru district jail has an authorised capacity of 210 inmates, but as of July 11, it was housing 369 prisoners, considerably exceeding its sanctioned capacity.
To manage the shortage of accommodation, more than 100 inmates have already been transferred to prisons in Shivamogga and other districts.
Officials said overcrowding continues to place additional pressure on prison infrastructure and security management.
Drug addiction among inmates raises concern
Prison officials revealed that nearly 50 to 60 per cent of the inmates lodged in the jail are drug addicts.
Many of them allegedly continue making attempts to obtain narcotic substances while in custody through various illegal means.
Repeated incidents involving the smuggling of ganja, mobile phones and other prohibited articles prompted the authorities to strengthen the prison’s physical security by installing the high wire mesh.
Officials said the objective is to seal every possible route that could be exploited to introduce contraband into the prison.
Upgrade aimed at preventing future smuggling
The Rs 50 lakh security upgrade reflects the Department of Prisons’ efforts to improve surveillance and tighten security at correctional facilities across the state.
Once completed, the new wire mesh is expected to significantly reduce the possibility of prohibited items being thrown into the jail from outside while supporting the KSISF’s efforts to maintain order and discipline within the prison.
Authorities believe the strengthened perimeter security, coupled with strict screening procedures and continuous monitoring, will help curb contraband smuggling and enhance the overall safety of the Mangaluru district jail.