Mangaluru: AI-based surveillance cameras to be installed in prisons, says ADGP Alok Kumar
Mangaluru: In an effort to strengthen security in prisons, AI-based camera surveillance systems are being tested on a pilot basis at Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru and the Mysuru prison. Once the system proves successful, similar arrangements will be implemented in other prisons, including Mangaluru, said Alok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in charge of the State Prisons Department.
He was speaking to reporters on Tuesday after inspecting the Mangaluru District Prison. Alok Kumar said that since taking charge as ADGP of the prisons department, he has been visiting and reviewing prisons across the state. Karnataka has a total of 54 prisons, all of which require periodic inspection. He described the Mangaluru prison as a sensitive facility and said information had been received that a mobile phone was detected during an inspection conducted on Monday night. An inquiry will be carried out into how mobile phones and other prohibited items are being supplied inside prisons, and strict action will be taken, he said.
Referring to issues related to the jammer system, Alok Kumar said concerns about its effectiveness have been raised for the past 15 years. Certain shortcomings have been identified, and discussions have already been held with officials from TCIL, the Department of Telecommunications and BSNL. Time has been given to address the issues, and special attention will be paid to resolving the problem in Mangaluru as well, he added.
He said effective control of prisons could help bring nearly 60 per cent of law-and-order issues under check. Alok Kumar also said construction of a new prison at Mudipu is underway and will be inspected. He noted that additional funding is required to complete the project and said he would discuss the matter with the Home Minister. He added that support and pressure from local legislators would help expedite the process.
Alok Kumar said prisoners who create disturbances inside prisons are being shifted to other facilities, and further steps will be taken to relocate such inmates. He also said efforts would be made, through the District Legal Services Authority, to assist prisoners who are unable to secure release due to financial or other difficulties. Inmates with good conduct would be brought to the notice of the government, while those violating rules would face action under the Prison Act.
The ADGP was received with a guard of honour by prison staff at the entrance of the district prison. City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Arun K., Deputy Commissioners of Police Mithun H. N. and Ravishankar, and Jail Superintendent Sharan Basappa were present during the visit.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ramzan fasts to begin in India from Thursday
New Delhi (PTI): Ramzan fasts will begin on Thursday in India as the crescent moon marking the start of the fasting month was sighted in various parts of the country on Wednesday.
After the sighting of the moon, the holy month begins and for the next 30 days, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
Shahi Imam of Chandni Chowk's Fatehpuri mosque Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed announced that the crescent moon was sighted and the month of fasting will start from February 19.
Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari also declared that the moon was sighted.
During this month, a special prayer called Taraweeh are offered in mosques in the evening. In this prayer, the entire Quran is recited and it continues till the sighting of the Eid moon.
Mufti Mukarram has appealed to the Muslim community to "pray as much as possible for the well-being of the 140 crore people of the country".
