Guwahati Central Jail Jailer Arrested in Major Contraband Racket
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities within prison walls, Debakamal Bora, the jailer of Guwahati Central Jail, was arrested on Thursday. He stands accused of orchestrating a sophisticated racket that involved supplying intoxicants to inmates and permitting the unauthorized use of mobile phones, all in exchange for substantial bribes, according to police officials.
Arrest Follows Earlier Detention of Police Constables
The arrest of Jailer Bora comes merely two days after two police constables were taken into custody in connection with the same illicit operation. This swift sequence of arrests underscores the depth of the investigation and the authorities' determination to root out corruption from the correctional facility.
Bora, who previously served as an assistant jailer at Lakhimpur District Jail throughout 2023, was transferred and posted to Guwahati Central Jail in the middle of 2024. His tenure at the central jail has now been marred by these serious allegations.
Statements from Arrested Constables Led to Jailer's Apprehension
Police revealed that Bora's arrest was directly based on the statements provided by the two constables—Kangkan Bora and Debojit Das. These constables were themselves arrested following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by Jail Superintendent Pradip Kumar Hazarika. The FIR accused them of facilitating illegal activities within the jail premises.
According to police sources, the accused individuals allegedly allowed inmates to use mobile phones and consume intoxicants in return for monetary payments. The two constables, who were from the 4th Assam Police Battalion and assigned to Guwahati Central Jail, were specifically accused of providing drugs and liquor to inmates in lieu of cash.
Serious Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
The authorities have levied multiple grave charges against the accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These charges include:
- Extortion
- Public servant disobeying direction under law
- Taking gift, etc. to screen an offender from punishment
A police source indicated that they intend to seek Bora's police remand for a minimum of five days when he is presented before the court. The source added that sufficient evidence has already been uncovered against the accused constables and the jailer, strengthening the case.
Investigation Expands to Uncover Broader Network
Further investigation is actively underway to identify and apprehend any additional individuals who may be involved in this extensive network, a police source stated. This suggests that the racket might extend beyond the currently arrested personnel, potentially implicating others within or connected to the jail system.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining discipline and preventing contraband flow in prisons, with authorities now focused on dismantling this particular operation entirely.
