MAPUSA
The investigation into the alleged drug-smuggling network operating from Colvale Central Jail has widened, with police arresting another inmate, Yogesh Mandrekar, and probing the possible involvement of several other prisoners and suspected accomplices.
Mandrekar, a jail inmate, was produced before the court and remanded to three days’ police custody for questioning.
His arrest is the latest development in a case that began with the alleged interception of a woman security guard while she was attempting to smuggle drugs into the prison.
The probe subsequently led to the arrest of inmate Rovina Lobo, and police are now examining Mandrekar’s alleged role and his possible links with others involved in the suspected network.
Sources said police are looking into several aspects of the case, including the alleged use of mobile phones by inmates, financial transactions and communications with persons outside the prison.
Police are also trying to establish how the alleged contraband was brought into the jail and whether more inmates or outsiders were involved.
The arrests have raised fresh questions over security and supervision at Colvale Central Jail, particularly amid growing indications that activities inside the prison may have extended beyond the alleged movement of narcotics.
The latest drug investigation comes against the backdrop of this daily’s indepth reportage over the past few days exposing alleged commercial activities operating from within the jail.
The exclusive reports highlighted allegations of an organised food business inside the prison, with inmates allegedly able to order items such as tandoori and fried rice at prices running into thousands of rupees.
Another report also brought to light allegations of wine being brewed inside the prison, raising further concerns over what officials are allowing to take place within the high-security facility.
Taken together, the developments have put the functioning and internal security of the prison under renewed scrutiny.
The alleged availability of food businesses, locally brewed alcohol and the suspected movement of drugs and mobile phones points to questions that go beyond individual arrests and towards the effectiveness of the prison’s surveillance and control mechanisms.
Police, meanwhile, are continuing their investigation and are expected to question the accused regarding their alleged contacts, financial dealings and communication networks.
Police are also likely to examine whether the suspected drug operation was confined to a few individuals or involved a wider network operating from within and outside the jail.
