Goa Jail Scandal: HC Demands Urgent Action Against Mobile Phone Smuggling
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The Bombay High Court at Goa has expressed shock and concern over the smuggling of mobile phones into the Central Jail at Colvale in North Goa. In a recent order, Justice Shreeram V Shirsat took cognizance of the issue and directed the prison authorities to install a robust jammer network to prevent further incidents. A petition was filed against Chandu Patil, who is in jail for allegedly murdering a child. Patil allegedly made threatening calls to the victim's family from inside the jail. The court noted that several cells inside the jail have mobile charging points, which raises questions about the authorities' knowledge and consent. The judge emphasized that mere disciplinary action against individual inmates will not solve the problem, but rather, concrete measures need to be taken to prevent such incidents. The court also pointed out that despite previous instances of mobile phones being found inside the jail, no effective steps have been taken to prevent smuggling. The HC directed the jail authorities to address the issue with seriousness and install signal jamming systems, which are not currently in place. The court also questioned the effectiveness of regular inspections and asked whether they are merely a formality or a deliberate attempt to allow mobile phones to be smuggled in. The court ordered the deputy superintendent or superintendent of the jail to ensure that robust phone jammers or cellular inspection systems are installed, and that additional rules be framed to hold personnel accountable for violating inspection norms. The court also mandated the installation of CCTV cameras at the inspection counter, Mulaqat areas, and the daily inspection of jail cells. The court's order has sought a reply from the jail administration by January 20, 2026. The judge emphasized that some accountability must be fixed, and stringent measures are needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
