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.
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Northern Railway adds 40 runs of Delhi–Katra special train for summer rush
Jammu (PTI): Amid an anticipated surge in pilgrim traffic during the summer vacation period, the Northern Railway’s Jammu Division on Thursday announced 40 additional runs of the special train between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station, an official said.
Jammu Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the extension from April 15 to July 16 has been approved in view of the train’s immense popularity and the 100 per cent occupancy recorded during its earlier runs.
He said the Train No 04081 (New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra) will operate from April 15 to July 15, completing a total of 40 runs, while Train No 04082 (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to New Delhi) will run from April 16 to July 16, also undertaking 40 additional runs during the period.
"This service has proven to be an affordable and convenient option not only for devotees travelling to Katra but also for tourists heading to Kashmir and passengers boarding at intermediate stations along the route,” the official said.
Regarding the timings and stoppages of the special train, he said the Train No 04081 will depart from New Delhi at 11.45 pm and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 12 pm the following day.
The Train No 04082 will depart from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 9 pm and arrive at New Delhi at 10 am the following morning, he said.
During its journey, the special train will halt in both directions at Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Jalandhar Cantt, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu, and Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan railway stations, he said.
He said the special train will comprise 21 coaches and is expected to significantly enhance passengers’ chances of securing confirmed tickets.
