Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): A surprise inspection at Ludhiana Central Jail resulted in the seizure of multiple prohibited items, including mobile phones, SIM cards and batteries, leading to the registration of a case against two inmates and an unidentified individual.
The recovery was made during a routine anti-contraband search conducted by jail authorities on July 27. Officials said the operation was aimed at curbing the use of unauthorized items inside the prison.
During the search, prison staff allegedly recovered a SNEXIAN keypad mobile phone, along with a battery and SIM card, from inmate Gurpreet Singh. Another inmate, Rohit Kumar, was also found in possession of a keypad handset, a SIM card and a battery, according to jail authorities.
In addition to the recoveries from the inmates, officials found an abandoned touchscreen mobile phone inside the jail premises. The device has been taken into custody, and investigators are attempting to establish its ownership and how it entered the correctional facility.
Following a complaint submitted by Balihar Singh, Assistant Superintendent of Ludhiana Central Jail, the Division No. 7 Police registered an FIR against the two inmates and an unidentified person under Section 52-A(1) of the Prisons Act, which deals with possession of prohibited articles inside prisons.
Police have launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the recovered SIM cards and identify their registered users. Authorities are also examining call records and other technical evidence to determine whether the devices were used for any unlawful activities from within the jail.
Officials said efforts are underway to uncover the network responsible for smuggling prohibited items into the prison, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
