Multiple mobile phones, an iPhone, Wi-Fi devices and other communication equipment were recovered from the cell of Aftab Ansari, who was convicted in the 2003 American Center attack case, during a search at Kolkata’s Presidency Jail.
Presidency jail search operation lasted hours
The search operation was conducted on August 23 under the leadership of the Deputy Inspector General of Dum Dum Correctional Home. Jail officials searched several cells at Presidency Jail, with the operation beginning at around 6:20 pm and continuing until 8:10 pm, according to police sources.
Phones, routers, and cash found inside
Aftab, who is considered a high-security prisoner, was among those whose cell was searched. Officials recovered three smartphones, one iPhone, three Jio SIM cards, two Jio routers, one Wi-Fi hotspot, two card readers, a 128GB pen drive, three OTG devices and a pair of headphones from his cell. Jail authorities also recovered Rs 31,000 in cash, all in Rs 500 denomination notes.
Aftab convicted in american center attack
Aftab was convicted in connection with the 2003 attack on the American Center in Kolkata. He was arrested in Dubai and initially sentenced to death. The Supreme Court later commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment. His name had also surfaced in connection with the kidnapping of a senior Khadim’s official.
Recovery raises questions over prison security
The recovery has raised questions over how such a large quantity of electronic equipment reached Aftab’s cell and how he allegedly managed to keep the devices hidden despite being under special surveillance. Investigators are also examining allegations that he had maintained contact with people outside the jail, including possible links to Pakistan, and whether any prison officials were involved in facilitating access to the equipment.
Earlier search also uncovered phone and sim
This was not the first search at Presidency Jail in recent days. On the night of August 20, a smartphone and SIM card were recovered from undertrial prisoner Abdul Moinuddin during another search operation. Jail authorities have lodged complaints with Hastings Police Station in connection with both incidents.
