STF moots ‘no network zones’ around some Punjab prisons

CHANDIGARH : With no let-up in the recovery of mobile phones from Punjab jails, the police’s STF against drugs has suggested to state government to convert some jails into what it called “dead zones” with no network or data connectivity in vicinity.

The jail authorities will have the option to completely ban mobile connectivity in around 3-5 km vicinity through orders passed by the state home department, reads the proposal sent by the STF to the prisons department in December.

The first step, the task force has suggested, will be to identify one or two jails where all hardcore criminals and drug traffickers, members of organised criminal networks and gangsters will be lodged. Those involved in minor or routine crimes will not be brought to such jails, it said.

The STF has suggested that the Bathinda Central Jail may be used as pilot project, where notorious, repeat offenders, drug traffickers and gangsters can be lodged. The STF has cited multiple reports that have found that the drug traffickers and gangsters consider jails safe havens.

“Inmates use encrypted modes of communication through VOIP apps such as Whatsapp, Messenger. This poses an additional hurdle for enforcement agencies as it cannot be traced or put under surveillance easily,” the task force said. A senior STF officer said the issue was also discussed with representatives of mobile service providers and the process will involve shifting of towers and state government can bear expenses for the same. “We have suggested formation of a technical committee to formulate guidelines. The proposal is being discussed at the government level. A decision will be taken after taking all views into consideration,” he added.

State jails minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa was not available for comments despite repeated attempts.