Rs 7.5-crore boost for security inside central jail premises

Several security devices such as doorframe metal detectors, handheld detectors, mobile detectors, walkie-talkies and generator sets will be installed.

With the state government allocating Rs 7.5 crore for installation of CCTV cameras and other security devices in central jail premises in the state, inmates will soon have an electronic eye keeping a watch on their activities.

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Medha Gadgil, principal secretary (home) said, “The fund has been allotted for modernisation of the jails and not because of attacks on premises. The process has been in talks for a very long time and will now finally be executed.”

Several security devices such as doorframe metal detectors, handheld detectors, mobile detectors, walkie-talkies and generator sets will be installed. Of the Rs7.5 crore, Rs2 crore would be spent on installation of CCTV cameras in eight central jails in the state in Nashik, Kolhapur, Yerwada, Nagpur, Thane, Mumbai, Amravati, Taloja.

There will be a separate server room for the CCTV cameras in jail superintendent’s office, which will be manned by jail guards to avoid any unforeseen incident. “It is high time the jails got modernised. The measure is important for security too,” said Surinder Kumar, inspector general, prisons.

“In recent times, there have been several ugly fights between inmates in the jail premises. The temporary solution of shifting warring inmates to other jails does not help much,” said an official from the Arthur Road jail.

“The installation of CCTV cameras would help us keep tabs on them. Live footage will be seen by guards who can take immediate action if need arises,” he added.

After central jails, other prisons across the state too would be provided with CCTV cameras, said the authorities.