In order to combat the illegal use of mobile phones by prisoners in prisons, Araga Jnanendra, the Home Minister of Karnataka, India, announced that powerful mobile phone signal jammers will be deployed in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, which can even block 5G networks. The decision was announced after the minister conducted a surprise inspection of the prison, with the intention of curbing frequent violations and strengthening security management of the prison.
Powerful jammers will cover 5G network communications
As one of the largest prisons in the Bangalore area, Parappana Agrahara Prison has been facing the problem of prisoners using mobile phones illegally. In recent years, with the rapid development of communication technology, traditional signal jammers have been unable to effectively block 4G and 5G signals, resulting in prisoners using mobile phones to get in touch with the outside world and engage in various illegal activities. In this regard, Jnanendra said that the introduction of new powerful signal blockers will completely cut off the prisoners' communication channels with the outside world and ensure that information is closed in the prison.
The implementation of this measure was strongly recommended by the ADGP S. Murugan Committee. The committee had previously conducted a detailed investigation into prison management and found multiple loopholes, including evidence of prisoners using mobile phones to plan criminal activities. Based on the findings, the government has taken a series of corrective measures, including transfers and suspensions of several officials involved in violations, to improve prison management.
Raids reveal multiple violations in prisons
- The minister's raids came after a series of incidents involving prison security came to light. Recently, there have been several cases of prisoners illegally communicating through mobile phones in prisons in the state, the most notable of which was a prisoner suspected of murdering Hindu nationalist Harsha. According to reports, these prisoners continued to use mobile phones in prison to communicate with the outside world and even plan criminal activities.
- To meet this challenge, Jnanendra raided the Parappana Agrahara prison and interacted with the medical staff of the prison. During the raid, prison officials briefed him on recent measures taken, including opening a case to investigate seven violations and arresting four people, including two policemen. Those arrested were mainly involved in sneaking drugs and mobile phones into the prison, which further exposed the security risks inside the prison.
Crack down on drug and mobile phone smuggling
- During the inspection, Jnanendra emphasized that the government will take tough measures to crack down on drug and mobile phone smuggling. He issued a clear warning to prison officials, asking them to take immediate action to prevent prisoners from obtaining communication devices through illegal means. The minister pointed out that some prisoners not only obtained mobile phones through ordinary channels, but also through complex smuggling methods, including using injuries to disguise mobile phones to bring mobile phones into the prison.
- During the raid, a man escorted into the prison by the police aroused suspicion. His leg was wrapped in a bandage, which looked like an injury at first glance. However, when the prison officials examined it in detail, they found a mobile phone hidden in the bandage. This discovery further showed that the prisoners and their accomplices used various means to try to bypass the prison security system. In this regard, the minister ordered an immediate investigation and legal action against the relevant police. Two police officers suspected of assisting in smuggling have also been arrested as a warning to those who try to use their positions to commit illegal activities.
Improve prison management and plug security loopholes
This surprise inspection is not just a sudden action, but also a signal that the government is comprehensively rectifying the prison system. Jnanendra stressed that the management of Parappana Agrahara prison must take more stringent measures to ensure order and safety in the prison. The installation of jammer devices is only the first step, and monitoring measures will be further strengthened in the future to prevent prisoners from using modern communication tools for illegal activities.
At the same time, the government also plans to increase the training of prison managers to raise their awareness of new smuggling methods. In addition, the security equipment inside the prison will also be fully upgraded, including the installation of high-definition surveillance cameras and enhanced visitor inspection procedures to prevent any suspicious items from entering the prison.
This series of measures in Parappana Agrahara Prison reflects the Indian government's determination to combat illegal activities in prisons. By installing powerful signal jammers and strengthening internal management, the government hopes to completely eliminate the phenomenon of prisoners using mobile phones for illegal communications. This will not only improve the security level of the prison, but also provide a reference for the management of prisons in other regions.
