Surat Lajpore Jail Raid Unearths 11 Contraband Mobile Phones

SURAT: A surprise nighttime raid at Surat’s high-security Lajpore Central Jail has exposed serious security concerns after authorities seized 11 unauthorised mobile phones, several complete with SIM cards and batteries, from different prison yards.

The crackdown was carried out by the Special Striking Squad led by Jailer (Group-1)  DR Karangia on October 2, following directions from the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Administration. The operation continued from around 8.30 pm to 10.40 pm, with teams conducting searches across multiple inmate yards.

During the operation in Yard C-8, officials found mobile phones concealed inside transparent plastic bags kept beneath buckets. Other devices were discovered near washbasins and chargers. Searches subsequently extended to Yards C-3 and C-11, where phones were allegedly hidden beneath drainage units, behind restroom doors and under plastic containers.

In one significant recovery, an undertrial prisoner identified as Ramakant alias Bhola Gehju Ruidas was allegedly caught carrying a Motorola mobile phone concealed in his pants pocket.

Officials involved in the operation said the recovery of devices from several locations indicated the need for a deeper investigation into how the prohibited phones entered the prison.

“The systematic concealment of 11 mobile phones across multiple yards points to an alarming level of unauthorised access inside the prison walls,” said Dharmesh Gami, social activist. “A deep and intensive probe is necessary to establish how these prohibited devices were smuggled in and whether any internal assistance was involved.”

The seized phones include Nokia, Motorola and Kechaoda models. Authorities also recovered devices containing Vi and BSNL SIM cards. Some phones were password-protected, while others reportedly had their IMEI stickers removed, potentially complicating efforts to trace their use.

The seizure has prompted authorities to examine the prison’s existing security arrangements and the movement of contraband within the facility. Investigators are expected to analyse the seized devices and SIM cards to determine whether they were being used for communication with people outside the jail or for other prohibited activities.

Jail authorities have approached Sachin Police Station for registration of a complaint against the inmates and other unidentified persons allegedly involved in possessing or facilitating the contraband.

The complaint invokes Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Prisons Act, including Sections 42, 43 and 45(12).

The raid has also raised questions about how multiple mobile phones, chargers and SIM cards were able to remain concealed across different prison yards, prompting authorities to investigate possible gaps in surveillance and prison security.