Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced strict action against officials after allegations surfaced that inmates inside Presidency Jail were using mobile phones to operate networks.
Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, the Chief Minister confirmed that two officials, including the jail superintendent, have been suspended. A police officer has also been suspended in connection with the Tilzala incident.
Crackdown after investigation
Speaking on the issue, Adhikari said, "A lot of mobile phones are being used in the Presidency Jail. Smartphones are being used. A section of the jail authorities is involved in this. There may also be support from the previous government. We have received this information. The DG Correctional Home was informed about the matter. Investigation revealed that this incident is true."
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The Chief Minister stated that authorities have already seized several mobile phones from inside the prison, indicating that the problem is not recent.
Network operating from inside jails
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Adhikari said, "Criminals across the state are running their networks from inside the jail. We feel this matter did not happen in a day. This network has been created from bottom to top over the years."
His remarks point to a deeply rooted system that allegedly allowed inmates to stay connected with external operations.
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Warning issued across state jails
The Chief Minister issued a stern warning to correctional facilities across the state, making it clear that negligence will not be tolerated going forward.
He said, "Criminals cannot be helped in this way. From today all this stops. There are such allegations in multiple places, from Dumdum Central Jail to Baharampur Jail."
The administration has indicated that similar action will follow in other cases if lapses are found, signalling a broader crackdown on misconduct within the prison system.
