Following the murder of terror accused Qateel Siddiqui in the high security “anda cell” of the Yerawada Central Jail, a full-scale security review has been undertaken in all central prisons in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. The move, officials said, is aimed at preventing similar incidents in prisons, which lodge many terror accused as well as high- profile prisoners.
“I visited the Arthur Road Jail on Saturday and conducted a detailed review of the security measures there, with focus on whether security protocol was being followed by the book. Although I am not at liberty to be specific, I discovered two or three major faults in the security, which I have issued instructions to rectify,” said Surinder Kumar, special inspector-general of police (Prisons), Mumbai.
The review will continue over the next week, with the Taloja Central Jail and the Byculla Women’s Prison being next on the list.
“There are several aspects of prison security that you come to know only when you spend an entire day there. A simple hour-long visit does not suffice,” Mr Kumar added.
Siddiqui’s killing has already raised concerns about the way security is being enforced in prisons in Maharashtra. The fact that the posts of inspector-general (Prisons) and deputy inspector-general (Prisons) are currently vacant does nothing to help the situation.
Meanwhile, Siddiqui’s killers, Sharad Mohol and Anand Bhalerao will be produced before a judicial magistrate on Monday.