Paradip, March 7: Authorities are mulling over installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at two jails in Jagatsinghpur district. The decision has been taken in the wake of rise in cases of prison disturbances and indiscipline.
Jagatsinghpur and Kujang jails would now be under CCTV scanner for keeping a round-the-clock watch on the prisoners.
Criminal activities within jails have become a major cause of concern for police as well as the prison authorities. Breach of discipline, unlawful activities, infringement of jail manual as well as use of cellphones by the undertrial inmates have become order of the day at the jails. Installation of CCTV would also add to stepping up jail security.
Authorities have sought assistance from corporate sectors for installing CCTV cameras at both the jails. “The district police have requested the Paradip-based Iffco and PPL fertiliser plants to donate funds for the purpose. The companys’ response has been positive. We are planning to install the gadgets soon,” said Jagatsinghpur superintendent of police Suresh Devidatta Singh. Once the CCTV cameras are installed, a round-the-clock vigil could be maintained over the inmates at Kujang and Jagatsinghpur jails. There are reports of these lawbreakers fermenting trouble at the jail.
The camera surveillance is expected to greatly curtail the criminals’ unlawful activities, said jail authorities. The raids conducted in recent past have led to the seizure of objectionable materials from cells of Jagatsinghpur jail. Last year, the jail head was arrested for allegedly acting as the conduit of supply of materials such as cellphones and SIM cards to the inmates.
The inmates were caught in possession of cellphones, SIM cards, liquor, cigarettes, which are prohibited for use on the jail premises.
Debendra Swain, a warder of Jagatsinghpur jail, was shot at by accomplices of criminals lodged in the jail. Swain, reported to be a strict jail warder, had faced the wrath of lawbreakers.
The state of affairs at Kujang jail is no better. The need for stepping up security at the said jail has assumed added significance as history-sheeters and criminals from the Paradip area are lodged there.
