Jail officials often find banned goods

Rape accused Mehendi Shaikh’s attempt to smuggle cash into prison by concealing it in his slippers may be unconventional, but not unusual, prison officials have said, though not everyone gets caught, reports Mohamed Thaver.

Rape accused Mehendi Shaikh’s attempt to smuggle cash into prison by concealing it in his slippers may be unconventional, but not unusual, prison officials have said, though not everyone gets caught.

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During surprise raids, officials often find goods that are not allowed in jail premises.

Sources said that in 2013 alone, police found SIM cards in Taloja jail and mobile phones in Kalyan jail during surprise checks. In January, the

Bazarpeth police arrested two persons for throwing packets of drugs into the Adharwadi jail.

A former jail official said that on most occasions, prisoners do not smuggle goods themselves. “The jail staff, especially at the lower rung, agree to smuggle things for prisoners, in exchange for money,” the official said.

He added, “While everyone, including the prisoners and jail staff, are thoroughly frisked while entering and leaving the prison, some of the staff know how to work their way around the system.”

An official from Arthur Road jail said, “The very fact that the person smuggling in money was caught means that the security guards are alert.”

Sources said that in light of the incident, footwear with thick heels could be banned from jails.