Centre’s Bold Move to Crush Jail-Based Terror-Criminal Networks
In a decisive step to dismantle the terror-criminal nexus flourishing in Indian prisons, the Central government is preparing a major overhaul of jail administration and surveillance systems. High-security prisons have been identified as hubs where incarcerated terrorists and gangsters orchestrate crimes, extortion, and radicalization—prompting urgent action.
The Jailhouse Threat: How Prisons Became Crime Hubs
Recent intelligence reports reveal alarming trends: high-profile inmates (terrorists, drug lords, mafia dons) exploit smuggled phones, corrupt staff, and visitor networks to run criminal operations. Cases like:
– Punjab rocket attack plot (linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi)
– Delhi bomb threats (traced to inmates using illegal phones)
A senior NIA officer told NextMinuteNews:
“Prisons have turned into command centers for organized crime due to systemic gaps.”
Key Reforms: Tech, Isolation, and Oversight
The Centre’s crackdown includes:
1. Tech-Driven Surveillance
- AI-powered monitoring of inmate communications, including voice analytics for coded language.
- Advanced jammers to block unauthorized mobile signals.
- Biometric checks for staff/visitors to prevent collusion.
2. Isolating High-Risk Inmates
- Segregate terror accused/gang leaders to prevent networking.
- Transfer kingpins to “special facilities” with zero external contact.
3. Prison Staff Accountability
- Polygraph tests for jail personnel to weed out corruption.
- Fast-tracked trials for officials aiding illegal activities.
4. Legal Upgrades
- Stricter penalties for smuggling contraband.
- Amendments to the Prison Act for real-time audits.
Challenges: State Cooperation & Infrastructure
While the Centre pushes for nationwide reforms, state governments (managing prisons) must comply. Punjab, Maharashtra, and UP—hotspots for jailbreaks and gang activity—are under scrutiny.
But hurdles remain:
– Overcrowding, understaffing, outdated facilities.
– Ex-DG (Prisons) warns: “Without funding/training, reforms will fail.”
Why This Matters for National Security
Security experts stress that breaking this nexus is critical:
– Terror groups (ISIS, LeT) recruit from prisons.
– Praveen Swami (Counter-terror analyst): “This overhaul is overdue.”
Phase one targets 10 high-risk prisons by 2025, potentially setting a global precedent.
Public & Civil Rights Debate
- Public support: “Prisons shouldn’t be crime universities,” says activist Rahul Tiwari.
- Rights groups caution against surveillance misuse.
One thing is clear: India’s prisons are poised for transformation—but will it cut the terror-criminal lifeline?
Stay updated with NextMinuteNews’ National Security Desk.
