In jail, kabootars are your best bet

The attack on gangster Abu Salem once again brings out the glaring irregularities and malpractices rampant inside Taloja Jail. From widespread corruption to the shenanigans of powerful underworld dons, the jail is a hive of irregularities.

Devendra Jagtap ‘JD’ coolly smuggles a gun into the jail and even more coolly shoots twice at Salem. Well, don’t go all goggle-eyed. Those who know the jail aren’t. Everything and anything goes on in Taloja Jail. All you need is the right contacts, and enough money to pay for whatever is your fancy. “Money talks in Taloja. Anyone who has money is king,” said an underworld source.

Every prison in the state has has a deliveryman and he has a special moniker. In Taloja he’s the Kabootar (pigeon)’. In Nashik he’s ‘Cartoon’. In Taloja every high-profile inmate has a dedicated Kabootar. Latching on to a Kabootar means everything, from food to alcohol to new clothes and hard cash, is made available. For a price, of course. Some Kabootars may supply to more than one gangster. Others stick to specific gangs and gangsters.

Sources in the jail said, “All inmates of the jail cannot afford a Kabootar who charges high prices. Only high profile inmates and underworld dons can afford them.” While regular inmates are permitted only a limited number of visits by outsiders, the Kabootar-kind is a daily fixture, calling on one or another of his clients.

“Some of the under-trial also sell goods inside the jail as part of the smuggling businesses operated by some jail guards and inmates,” said a source. “If you have money then everything is available in the jail. You can even make local calls and international.