Surat Lajpor Jail  Staff Suspended After Mobile Phone Haul

SURAT: A major crackdown has exposed serious security lapses at Surat’s Lajpor Central Jail, where 11 Android mobile phones were recovered during a surprise search. Following a confidential inquiry into alleged irregularities, eight jail employees were suspended, the jailor was transferred and three inmates accused of enjoying special privileges were shifted to other prisons.

The surprise raid was conducted by the Ahmedabad Special Jail Search Squad. The recovery of mobile phones from jail barracks raised concerns over how prohibited devices reached inmates despite security checks.

According to the findings of the inquiry, some jail staff allegedly failed in their duties and colluded with inmates. Officials also found allegations of prohibited items, including paan masala and cigarettes, being made available to prisoners.

The action was taken against eight employees posted at different prisons and jail headquarters.

The suspended personnel include Head Constables Ram S. Lambadiya and Hemraj V. Parmar, Subedars D.D. Bhabhor, Vijaypuri R. Bava and Hemant N. Chaudhary, and Constables Shivbhadrasinh J. Gohil, Karman S. Bhaykan and Sandip N. Chaudhary.

The inquiry also flagged alleged preferential treatment to certain inmates and the role of so-called “cashier prisoners” in the jail system.

Jailor transferred

Lajpor Jailor K.J. Dharge has been transferred to Ahmedabad Central Jail with immediate effect. The move forms part of an administrative reshuffle but comes amid scrutiny over alleged supervisory lapses at Lajpor.

The action sends a clear message that jail officials will face consequences if security rules are ignored, officials said.

Three inmates shifted

Three inmates identified as allegedly enjoying special privileges have also been transferred.

Bipin Natvar Sharma, prisoner number 2410, has been shifted to Palara Special Jail. Kailas Jivatram Rajani, prisoner number 2576, has been sent to Vadodara Central Jail. Prashant Chandrakant Rajput, prisoner number 98388, has been transferred to Porbandar Special Jail.

Following the crackdown, security arrangements inside Lajpor Central Jail have been tightened.