The Superintendent of Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam was arrested on Friday in connection with the discovery of electronic gadgets among inmates associated with the radical outfit 'Waris Punjab De,' as reported by news agency PTI, citing police sources. The arrest, attributed to "laxity," occurred in the morning, and the officer is presently held at Dibrugarh Sadar Police Station.
According to SP Dibrugarh Rakesh Reddy, who spoke to news agency ANI regarding the arrest of Nipen Das, "A few days ago, a search inside the jail revealed mobile phones, remotes with keypads, and other devices. Following this, an investigation commenced, exposing a nexus between jail officials, particularly the Superintendent, and others. Consequently, a new case was registered, leading to the arrest of Nipen Das today".
The arrest is directly linked to the confiscation of electronic devices from cells housing inmates under the National Security Act (NSA) last month. Seized items included a smartphone with a SIM card, a keypad phone, a TV remote with a keyboard, a spy camera pen, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones, and speakers.
Security Breach In Dibrugarh Jail
A notable security lapse was identified in the National Security Act (NSA) cell of the highly guarded Dibrugarh jail in Assam last month, where separatist leader and 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh and his companions are detained.
"In reference to NSA Detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, on receipt of information about unauthorised activities in the NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in the public area of the NSA block," stated Director General of Police GP Singh on X.
Prompted by reports of unauthorised activities, additional CCTV cameras were installed in communal areas of the NSA wing. The prison employs a robust security system, featuring round-the-clock three-tier security, CCTV surveillance, and close coordination between state and central authorities.
Pro-Khalistani Outfit Members In Dibrugarh Jail
Since March 19 last year, ten members of the pro-Khalistani group, including leader Amritpal Singh and one relative, have been arrested in Dibrugarh. Apprehended under the National Security Act (NSA) during a crackdown in Punjab, they were transferred to a jail in Assam with stringent security measures.
The radical Sikh preacher and his associates, including a relative, were detained under the NSA and moved to Assam. Stringent security measures were implemented, allowing family members and legal representatives to visit. Singh is reportedly in solitary confinement, while associates are held separately.
Prior to their arrest, Singh had evaded Punjab Police for over a month during a crackdown. Upon transfer to Dibrugarh, additional security measures were implemented, including installing extra CCTV cameras and repairing or replacing malfunctioning ones. Dibrugarh prison, established in 1859-60, is one of the oldest and most secure penitentiaries in Northeast India.