Jail authorities have seized several electronic communication devices and cash from the cell of Aftab Ansari, the convicted mastermind of the 2002 American Centre attack, during a surprise raid at Kolkata’s Presidency Correctional Home, police said on Saturday.
The items were recovered during a search operation on August 23. A case was subsequently registered on Friday, and the matter is currently under investigation, according to a senior police officer familiar with the development.
“Some electronic communication devices were seized from the cell of Aftab Ansari last week. A case has been registered. The matter is under investigation now,” the officer said.
What was recovered from Ansari’s cell?
According to people familiar with the seizure, authorities recovered a range of electronic devices and accessories from Ansari’s cell.
The reported seizure included three smartphones, including an iPhone, three SIM cards, two Wi-Fi routers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two card readers, a pen drive, wireless earbuds, an OTG adapter and cables.
Authorities also reportedly found ₹31,000 in cash inside the cell.
The recovery has raised fresh questions about how electronic communication devices allegedly made their way into a high-security correctional facility and whether they were being used by inmates.
Police have not yet disclosed how the devices were allegedly being used or whether anyone else was involved.
Jail phone seizures raise security concerns
The latest seizure comes months after the West Bengal government took action against senior officials at the Presidency Correctional Home following allegations that inmates were using mobile phones inside the facility.
In May, authorities reportedly seized 23 mobile phones from the jail premises during joint operations involving prison officials and Kolkata Police.
The issue had also triggered allegations that some jail personnel may have been involved in facilitating the use of mobile phones by inmates.
The latest recovery from Ansari’s cell is therefore likely to intensify scrutiny of security arrangements and the monitoring of prohibited communication devices inside the prison.
Who is Aftab Ansari?
Aftab Ansari is serving a life sentence after being convicted in connection with the 2002 American Centre attack in Kolkata.
On January 22, 2002, two motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire on security personnel outside the American Centre. The attack killed five people, including four police constables, and injured around 20 others.
Ansari was convicted in the case and has remained incarcerated at the Presidency Correctional Home.
The investigation into the latest seizure will determine how the electronic devices and other items reached his cell and whether any jail rules or laws were violated.