Pulwama aftermath: WB government shifts Pakistan inmates to high-security cells
The West Bengal government has shifted 14 Pakistani prisoners, lodged in two correctional homes in Kolkata, to separate barracks and "high-security" cells, amid soaring tension between India and its western neighbor Pakistan, a senior official said. The state government's move comes days after a 50-year-old Pakistani convict was allegedly killed by fellow inmates in Rajasthan's Jaipur Central jail. Read the details here.
Three-layered cordon set up for security of 14 prisoners
"Strict instructions have been issued to separate Pakistani inmates from others following the incident in Rajasthan jail," the official of West Bengal Correctional Services said. "They have been shifted to high-security cells, where heavyweight prisoners, such as those arrested for American Center attack and Maoists have been staying," he said. A three-layered cordon has been set up for the security of the 14 prisoners.
'Cannot take a risk in the wake of Pulwama attack'
Explaining the need of the decision, the official said, "Most of these prisoners share a good rapport with their fellow inmates, but we cannot take a risk in the wake of the Pulwama attack." Of the 14 inmates, four are lodged at Presidency Correctional Home in the city and the other 10 at Dum Dum Central Correctional Home, he said.
Pakistanis jailed for flouting visa norms, committing criminal activities
"Some were jailed for flouting visa norms, while a few were waiting to be taken to other correctional homes," the state government official said. "There are also others who were imprisoned for their involvement in criminal activities," he further said. Along with the chief head warden, the head warders are keeping an eye on the cells, said the official.
Inmates won't be allowed to move out of sensitive-zones: Official
"The Pakistani inmates will not be allowed to move out of the sensitive zones for now. Our officers are keeping a close watch on these cells round the clock," said official. After India bombed terror camps in Pakistan yesterday, Pakistan's F-16 jet attempted to violate the Indian airspace in Jammu and Kashmir but was shot down in retaliation.
