Search operation in Quetta District Jail

Action taken against officials providing prohibited items to the prisoners

QUETTA: Hundreds of mobile phones, television sets, drugs and other prohibited items were recovered from prisoners during a search operation in Quetta District Jail after the visit of Balochistan High Court Chief Justice a day ago.

A group of prisoners staged protest inside the barracks of jail creating hurdle in the operation. However, prison authorities called extra security staff and took action against them.

“25 television sets, 300 cell phones, narcotics and other prohibited items have been seized during the operation,” said Quetta District Jail Superintendent Saleem Tareen.

Tareen said the authorities concerned had not conducted search operation in the jail for several years.

Briefing on the operation, he said that the BHC CJ during his visit observed use of prohibited items in the barracks breaking rules and regulations of the jail.

“Prisoners were using mobile phones openly without any fear,” the superintendent said.

He said that action has been taken against officials providing prohibited items to the prisoners.

“The prison authorities have suspended nice officials of Quetta District Jail who were posted at jail ward of Quetta Civil Hospital. Moreover, the authorities have closed the ward after shifting prisoners to jails in Quetta and Mach,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2020.