Section of prisoners refuse food in protest against searches

Coimbatore: About 40 prisoners in the Central Jail here observed a one-day fast to protest against frequent searches in the cells.

Police said the prisoners refused breakfast and lunch and informed authorities of their protest.

Search in the cells had been intensified for the last few months, following information about availability of ganja, cigarettes and also cellphones.

The authorities have seized nearly 40 cellphones and SIM cards during frequent checks in the past eight months.