Tue Dec 23 14:17:46 UTC 2025: Summary:

Director-General of Prisons Alok Kumar visited the Mangaluru District Prison and addressed several key issues. These include internet network problems in the vicinity of the prison due to jammers, the ineffective Tower Harmonic Call blocking system, the trial of Intrusion Detection Technology using AI, security measures to prevent illegal items from entering the prison, the transfer of troublesome inmates, legal assistance for inmates imprisoned for unpaid penalties, and the slow progress of the new prison construction in Mudipu. He is engaging with relevant stakeholders to address these problems.

News Article:

Mangaluru Residents to See Relief From Prison Jammer Interference, Says Prisons Chief

MANGALURU, December 23, 2025 – Residents living near the Mangaluru District Prison can expect improvements to their internet connectivity as officials work to mitigate interference caused by prison jammers. Director-General of Prisons Alok Kumar addressed the issue during a visit to the prison on Tuesday.

Kumar acknowledged the ongoing problem, which has persisted for 15 years, and revealed that Telecom Consultants India Limited (TCIL) and telecom service providers have been given a deadline to resolve network disruptions caused by the jammers installed to prevent unauthorized mobile phone usage within the prison. The Tower Harmonic Call blocking system also appears to be ineffective.

“We have given them time to work out a solution,” Kumar stated, following a meeting with TCIL, the Department of Telecom, BSNL, and other service providers. “The Prisons Department is hopeful that people staying near Mangaluru prison and other central prisons, will get some relief.”

In an effort to enhance security, the Bengaluru and Mysuru Central Prisons are trialing Intrusion Detection Technology using Artificial Intelligence. Kumar indicated that the technology will be tested at the Mangaluru prison as well, with potential for wider adoption depending on its effectiveness.

Internal security is also being addressed. Kumar plans to meet with prison personnel, Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada Police, and the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force to tighten perimeter security and prevent contraband from entering the prison. Problematic inmates are being transferred to other facilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to provide legal assistance to inmates incarcerated for unpaid penalties.

The Director-General also emphasized the need to expedite the construction of a new prison in Mudipu, which he believes will alleviate the issues stemming from the current prison and bolster overall security. He plans to meet with Home Minister G. Parameshwara to push for faster progress and urged local representatives to support the project.

Kumar was accompanied by Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police K. Arun during his visit.

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