Tihar prison to obtain 4G jammers to block inmate use of phones

Tihar Prison to obtain 4G jammers to block the use of phones by inmates; Surprise inspections to keep a check

With the rampant use of cell phones by inmates at Tihar Prison, the prison authorities decided to install 4G cell phone signal jammer and block communication channels between inmates and their associates outside the prison.

Installation of 4G jammers

The jammers currently in the prison are able to block 3G signals and have become ineffective as inmates are known to use 4G SIM cards to make calls and keep in touch with their associates while incarcerated.

"The new jammers were part of my goal to stop cell phone use in the prison, which has been a major concern for the Delhi police," Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel told The Times of India .

During an investigation, criminals were found using WiFi inside the prison to make calls.

Earlier this year, a Rohini businessman received a video call from Tihar inmate Rahul Kala demanding Rs 50 lakh. The inmate also sent him a photo that he clicked with Don Neeraj Bawana. The cops later traced the call to the prison and submitted a report to the authorities.

No more surprise inspections

Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala was found in possession of a cell phone inside the prison during a search.

“Inmates using cell phones from the prison premises have been a source of concern to the police and prison authorities, who we plan to arrest. In addition to having better jammers, we will increase patrols and ensure that the routes through which cell phones are smuggled in are plugged in, ”Goel told the media.

The jammers will be installed in Mandoli and Rohini prisons, which currently do not have signal jammers. The higher prison authorities were tasked with formulating a procurement plan and setting up these jammers.

In addition to cell phone tracking, key prison authorities have been urged to increase the frequency of surprise inspections.

In addition, a special team has been formed to verify material brought into prison premises by visitors or strangers.

There have been numerous reports of criminals sticking cellphone parts into rubber bullets and pressuring them in the prison. Many of them use standard SIM cards to make calls and then destroy the cards.

Prison authorities are also expected to coordinate with Delhi Police to monitor calls made from prison premises and track the location of callers.