‘We follow human rights norms'

Authorities of the Sabarmati jail heaved a sigh of relief when the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday dismissed the PIL that was filed by an  organisation after a prisoner was killed in the prison by some other inmates. Their relief is understandable because, for the last one year, the jail - the largest in the state - has found itself at the centre of one controversy after another. DNA met V Chandrashekhar, Jail Superintendent, Sabarmati, and asked him about conditions prevailing in the prison.

What precautionary measures have you taken after cellphones were recovered from the barracks of the jail?
We have installed mobile phone jammers to prevent prisoners from using mobile phones but the jammers can’t cover the entire jail. Therefore, we are going to install more jammers. We have also submitted a proposal for installation of mobile phone detectors. These detectors are equipped with advanced technology and can detect any mobile phone that may be in use in the jail.

How do you plan to strengthen jail security?
There are several electronic gadgets - CCTV camera, metal detectors and some others - installed in the prison to monitor the movement of prisoners and their visitors. We will soon be installing a scanner to ensure that no objectionable articles are smuggled into the prison. It will be just like the scanner at airports and we will scan both inbound and outbound material. We also conduct physical checks for objectionable articles.

What about protection of inmates?
We have put in place several security measures at Sabarmati jail but, at the same time, we follow the jail manual strictly and observe the norms for basic human rights.

What about the involvement of jail staff in the criminal activity at the prison?
I can’t comment on the jail administration but we have guidelines for our staff. We are conducting an internal inquiry and will punish the guilty according to the norms.

Is fixed pay for security guards a reason for their falling prey to corruption?
No comments.

What about the rights of the inmates?
Some inmates are unwilling to live in jail like prisoners. We are dealing with the problem according to the jail manual and the notifications issued by the state government in this regard. We do not harass inmates unnecessarily.