MAPUSA/PANAJI
The Deputy Superintendent of Colvale Central Jail and personnel from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) have been suspended for allegedly smuggling contraband, including tobacco products, into the prison.
The Goa Prison Department has taken action against Deputy Superintendent Krishna Usgaonkar, while the Goa Police have suspended ASI Suraj Toraskar of the IRB for their alleged involvement in the incident.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that a total of four police personnel may have been suspended in connection with the case.
The incident came to light on January 31 when IRB personnel stationed at the frisking point of Colvale Jail discovered a large quantity of contraband being smuggled into the facility. Following this, the IRB conducted an internal inquiry and submitted its findings to the prison department.
Upon receiving the report, the prison department initiated its own internal investigation, which led to the suspension of the Deputy Superintendent for violating prison regulations.
Subsequently, Goa Police also suspended the IRB personnel implicated in the act.
The Prisons Department confirmed the action while Commandant IRB Dharmesh Angle stated that a prima facie case had been established against Toraskar.
“If there are more personnel involved, similar action, including suspension, will be taken, irrespective of their rank or position,” he said, speaking to The Goan.
The department has launched a detailed inquiry to determine which inmates or staff members were receiving the smuggled products and in which jail cells the items were being taken. The inquiry will also identify if any more staff or prison inmates are involved as well as assessing how long the smuggling had been taking place.
This is not the first time Colvale Jail has come under scrutiny. In the past, the prison has been in the news for similar irregularities, leading to disciplinary actions against jail staff.
