90 CCTV cameras to be installed in Jharpada jail in Odisha capital

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, June 8:

After raids were conducted in jails across Odisha on several allegations, as many as 90 CCTV cameras will be installed at Jharpada jail to keep close watch on activities of prisoners and employees inside the premises.

Around 90 CCTV cameras will be installed in each corner of the jail for which there will be one control room. The installation process will be completed in next 3-4 days. With the installation of cameras, it will be easier to keep watch on the activities of the criminals inside jail sitting in one place, said Jail Superintendent Rabindranath Swain.

The cameras installed earlier most of those were found defunct during the raid conducted on Sunday morning.

According to sources, there were 50 cameras defunct out of 56 CCTV cameras and remaining six have been installed at the rooms of Jailer and Superintendent as well as the cells where the VVIPs, hardcore criminals and Maoists are lodged.

Taking immediate step to curb alleged access of outsiders in the jail, ADG Arun Kumar Ray has directed to install more than 90 CCTV cameras inside the premises, sources said.

As the cameras installed at the high security zone including medical, kitchen, entrance point, meeting hall, free space, boundary wall and wards are not functioning, there are allegations that the narcotic and other objectionable items are easily being supplied into the jail premises.

Commissionerate police had seized cash and narcotics during the raid in jail where 40 notorious criminals, one MP and two former MLAs accused in chitfund scam and 7 Maoists are lodged. Besides, around 600 under trial prisoners are also lodged in the jail.