71 intelligence officers to sniff out ‘barrack’ secrets in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: After the recent jailbreak by alleged SIMI operatives, Madhya Pradesh police has shortlisted 71 guards to be trained as ‘intelligence officers’ for a close surveillance on criminal activity inside and outside the walls.
The roles, officials say, will not attract any additional salary. Madhya Pradesh jails are undergoing a major revamp under supervision of three IPS officers – Sanjay Chaudhary, Sudhir Sahi and GR Meena.
While Chaudhary is known for his administrative skills, Sahi is said to be an expert in surveillance activities, Meena is popular as an encounter specialist with a well-knitted ‘mukhbir’ network among dreaded criminals.
Many senior officials are of the opinion that intelligence failure had led to the sensational incident. “Had there been a proper intelligence network inside the jail, this jailbreak would not have taken place,” said an officer.
Just to enhance a proactive response to intelligence reporting, top authorities have decided to trial the role of “Intelligence Officers (IOs)” within the jails which will be in addition to their duties without any additional allowance, said sources.
MP jails have faced an unbridled 2016 with escapes, violent attacks, gang wars, extortion, murders, seizure of drugs and smuggled-in phones. Sources said that 71 guards have been selected from across 51 jails including some from the Bhopal central jail – from where 8 alleged SIMI activists had escaped killing a jail guard in November and got killed in an encounter later.
These guards will undergo special training on benefits of effective prison intelligence which will includes surveillance of organised groups within the prison, preventing escapes, riots and unrest besides assessment of various groups influence and interrelationships.
Though many police officers have welcomed the move, there are a few who believe that this would make no difference as the jails had been functioning on traditional ‘spying’ strategies for years.