Sun Jan 05 15:53:43 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Orders Visakhapatnam Jail Overhaul After Security Breaches**
VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh – Following recent security lapses, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the Visakhapatnam Central Jail. The announcement comes after a series of incidents, including a protest by police constables, the discovery of a mobile phone and contraband, and the seizure of a ganja plant within the prison.
Minister Anitha, who inspected the jail on Sunday, confirmed an investigation into the mobile phone’s discovery, aiming to identify how it was smuggled in, who made calls using it, and the purpose of those calls. While no suspensions were issued for the protesting jail staff, she stated they were transferred for violating protocol by participating in a demonstration while in uniform.
To bolster security, the Minister pledged to install CCTV cameras covering the entire jail campus within ten days, with feeds linked to the Command Control Room and the Superintendent’s Room. Increased security personnel and enhanced technological security measures are also planned. To alleviate overcrowding, approximately 200 prisoners will be transferred to Rajahmundry Central Jail.
Regarding the ganja plant, Minister Anitha suggested it was likely planted by inmates, noting that a significant portion of the prison’s population (around half, or 1,075 inmates) consists of ganja smugglers. She assured that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents.
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