CCTV cameras to nail drug peddling in Bangalore jail

Bangalore: Karnataka jail ministry has new plans to monitor inmates. According to the plan, CCTV cameras and private security guards will now keep a close eye on inmates lodged in Bangalore Central Jail.

To step up the vigil inside the Bangalore Central jail, the government plans to install CCTV cameras and will also post 300 private security guards who will keep a close watch on inmates through the day. Incidentally, the CCTV cameras that are to be installed inside prison cells, are to be switched off at night.

Prison Minister, Umesh Katti said the initiative could be extended to include other jails depending on its success in the Bangalore Central Jail. "We will install CCTV cameras in other jails, as well, in order to control illegal activities of criminals as well as personnel deployed in jails. However, we do not want to probe the private life of the inmates. The cameras inside cells will be switched off at night," said Katti.

"After the arrest of a woman jail warden peddling drugs to inmates came to light, it became clear that some of our officials are involved in illegal activities. We acted strongly in her case and took the necessary steps," Katti added.