Mobile phones seized from high-security cell at Sabarmati Central Jail

Jail authorities at the Sabarmati Central Jail have registered a criminal case after prohibited items, including mobile phones and SIM cards, were recovered from a high-security outer cell during a detailed search operation earlier this month, officials said on Wednesday.

The recovery was made on January 3, between 10.05 am and 10.40 am, at the old high-security section of the jail, Division-01. The items were found concealed in High Security Outer Cell No. 5, which houses convicted prisoner Vishal Rameshwarpuri Goswami (43).

Officials said the recovery followed a suspicion raised during an earlier inspection, when damage was noticed on the ceiling of an outer cell. The cell was subsequently sealed, and the prisoner was shifted to another high-security cell. A thorough search was later conducted using ladders to access the damaged portion of the roof.

During the search, jail staff discovered a wooden box hidden near the broken cement sheet, which contained a dark blue iPhone, a keypad mobile phone of the Hero brand, SIM cards belonging to VI and Airtel, a memory card, a charging cable, and an assembled charger. The seized items are estimated to be worth around ₹5,500, officials said.

The recovery of mobile phones inside a restricted jail area is a serious violation of prison rules and poses a threat to security, authorities noted. “The use of unauthorised communication devices inside a high-security cell raises concerns about possible misuse and the involvement of others,” a senior official said.

Following the seizure, a formal complaint was lodged at the Ranip Police Station, and a case has been registered under section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections of the Prison Act, which deal with possession of prohibited articles and breaches of prison discipline.

Police have initiated an investigation to determine how the banned items were smuggled into the jail, whether any staff members were involved, and whether the devices were used for illegal or criminal activities from inside the prison.

Officials said disciplinary action and further legal proceedings would follow based on the outcome of the investigation.