New AI-Tech to curb use of mobile phones by inmates in 13 sensitive jails
Alert jail staff seize 21 mobiles, 20 inmates booked from Ferozepur Jail
Ferozepur, December 27, 2025: Security lapses at Ferozepur Central Jail have come under sharp scrutiny after prison staff recovered 21 mobile phones, one adapter, and three AirPods from inmates, prompting a police case against 20 prisoners.
Now, a new project, recently sanctioned, the government, will procure modern security equipment, including AI-based CCTV systems, X-ray baggage scanners and body-worn cameras for jails for Rs 126 crore. High-energy jammers are also being installed in 13 sensitive jails across Punjab to curb the use of mobile phones.
The haul, discovered during a routine search of various barracks, included eight touchscreen mobiles and 13 touchpad models—all banned items that enable unauthorised contact with the outside world. The Assistant Superintendent of the jail complained to the local police station, leading to charges under Section 52-A of the Prisoners Act.
Named suspects include hawala operators Kuldeep Singh, Gaurav, Rachpal Singh, Gurjant Singh, Sanjeev Singh alias Nannu, Gurinder Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Taranveer, Chamkaur Singh, Davinder Singh alias Saini, Akash Singh, and Rahul. Other prisoners implicated are Bhim Sen alias Bhim Nath, Parvinder Singh, Gursevak Singh, Ravinder Singh alias Prince, Rahul alias Gobind, and Raman Kumar.
Investigating officer ASI Sharma Singh confirmed the FIR targets all the accused. "Mobiles undermine the core purpose of incarceration by allowing inmates to stay connected externally," he noted.
This seizure marks the highest annual tally in six years, with 638 mobiles recovered in 2025 so far—up from 510 in 2024, 469 in 2023, 437 in 2022, 265 in 2021, 130 in 2020, and 70 in 2019.