Delhi Police have seized 348 cellphones from jails in the past 2.5 months

More than 340 mobile phones have been found in different prisons in Delhi over the past two and a half months, according to official data released on Thursday.

Director General (Prisons) Sanjay Baniwal told reporters that prison authorities had found 348 mobile phones in two and a half months.

“On Wednesday, prison authorities raided Prison Number 3 and seized 18 mobile phones and chargers. Over the past two months, prison authorities have seized 348 mobile phones.

“Prison wardens started carrying out raids after developing intelligence inside prisons. Thanks to these actions, the criminal world is now getting a strong message,” Baniwal said.

“We have set 23 goals for 2023. These goals will include completely free telephones in prisons and the establishment of a problem-solving system for inmates. This type of jammer should be installed so that no one can use the telephone inside the prisons”, says the DG.

Asked if insider involvement helps inmates get cellphones inside prisons, he said: “We admit the involvement of prison staff in such acts. We have in the past taken strict measures against those found guilty and it will be done in the future as well.” Baniwal also said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed with the Art of Living Foundation to strengthen mental wellbeing detainees.

The President and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi have given instructions that arrangements should be made inside the prisons to give skills development training to inmates so that they can find employment upon their release from the prisons, said he declared.

Under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), a total of 1,020 inmates are receiving training in tourism and hospitality which will end in three months, the DG said.

“We will give vocational training to approximately 1,000 inmates in sewing high-end garments under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana so that if they come out of prison and become an entrepreneur, they will start their sewing business through Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (Mudra),” the DG (Prisons) said.