Cellphone menace: State jails get hi-tech detectors

In a bid to put an end to cellphone use in jails, the state jail authorities have provided the sophisticated Mobile Phone Detector (MPD) in nine central jails and other jails to digitally track down hidden phones. The move follows the Nashik Central Jail incident where two inmates were found making extortion calls to Mumbai-based corporators last month.

The Yerawada Central Jail, Arthur Road, Taloja, Nashik Road and other prominent jails have already been sanctioned these hand-held detectors while other jails will have these devices in the near future.

Speaking to dna, Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) Rajendra Dhamne said, “We have recently provided MPD to all central jails in the state. With the help of these detectors, jail officers can now detect the mobile phones inside the jails. The gadget will be given to the round officer.”

According to jail authorities, the tracking instrument raises alarm when it detects a mobile phone in its vicinity.

A state jail officer said, “The compact and lightweight detector can be easily carried to various locations on the jail premises like barracks, industrial units and other places where inmates generally hide their cellphones. The gadget can also be set up at strategic locations.”

The mobile phone detector has adjustable detection range of more than 50 meters and can also detect phones that are on standby mode (i.e when the mobile phone is on, but not in use).

Yogesh Desai, jail superintendent, Yerawada Central Jail told dna,

“We have received the detectors a few days ago and we have started using them as well.”

The state jail authorities also have decided to conduct training sessions for officers, who will be using these equipment during the routine patrol.

The use of mobile phones (a prohibited item) by inmates in Maharashtra jails has been a cause for concern for the authorities and regular raids are also being conducted to check the menace.