Manipur jail warder held for enabling inmates’ mobile phone use

Imphal: Police arrested a warder of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, for allegedly facilitating the unauthorised use of mobile phones by inmates, including prisoners lodged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The accused, identified as Sahid Shah (35) of Kairang Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district, was taken into custody on Wednesday, police said.


According to police sources, Shah was found to be illegally enabling inmates to use mobile phones to make and receive calls from inside the jail premises. Some of the beneficiaries of the alleged arrangement include prisoners booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), raising security concerns.

Police said multiple mobile handsets and SIM cards were seized, while the investigation so far established financial transactions were carried out from within the prison by inmates, using the accused warder’s UPI account.

A case has been registered at Heingang police station in Imphal East, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the network and identify other individuals who may have been involved.