Jodhpur : A photo showing inmates breaking their fast during Roza Iftar at the Jodhpur Central Jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan recently went viral on social media, prompting jail authorities to launch an immediate search operation inside the prison.
Late Saturday night, officials conducted a comprehensive search across all prison wards. During the operation, authorities recovered 13 mobile phones and 11 SIM cards. According to the jail administration, 11 of the phones were hidden in toilets, drains, and beneath the floor, while two mobile phones were found directly in possession of inmates.
Photo Triggered the Investigation
Officials said the viral photo surfaced online on March 13, showing prisoners opening their fast in one of the barracks. Based on the image, jail authorities began identifying the inmates involved and conducted targeted searches inside the facility.
The jail administration has also filed a case against the inmates accused of sharing the photograph on social media and using mobile phones inside the prison.
How the Phone Reached the Barrack
Preliminary findings suggest that inmates Wahid Khan, Wasim Khan, Subhash, Shekhar, and Karim took a selfie and shared it online. Reports indicate that the phone used for the selfie was brought by an inmate named Salim from prisoner Narpat, who is lodged in Barrack No. 2 of Ward 10.
After this information surfaced, authorities searched Narpat’s ward and recovered a mini keypad mobile phone without a SIM card from his bedding. Another inmate, Karim, was found with an Android smartphone.
Inmates Launch Hunger Strike
Following the strict action by jail authorities, several inmates reportedly went on a hunger strike and refused to break their fast on Sunday as a form of protest.
Jail Superintendent Placed Under APO
In a related development, the Superintendent of Jodhpur Central Jail, Pradeep Lakhawat, was placed under APO (Awaiting Posting Orders) late at night in connection with another matter.
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