PANAJI
The Prisons Department has told the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it has prepared a time-bound action plan to tackle illegal mobile phone smuggling and use inside Colvale jail. It also said that any finding of wrongdoing must be based on evidence collected through a lawful inquiry.
Superintendent of Prisons Sucheta Dessai informed the court that the plan aims to introduce quick, effective and legally sound measures to prevent such incidents.
The department said that technology-based reforms cannot be introduced without government approval. It told the court that a proposal under the Central Sector Project on Strengthening of Security Infrastructure and Advanced Systems in Prisons was submitted on January 5, 2026.
In its submission, the department said steps are being taken on priority to prevent a repeat of such incidents and related security lapses, in line with the Goa Prisons Rules, 2021 and existing laws.
Immediate measures include intensified searches of barracks, cells and common areas, more surprise checks as per laid-down procedures, and stricter security at entry and exit points, with thorough verification of all persons and materials entering the prison.
The department said CCTV footage for the relevant dates has been secured, while blind spots are being identified and corrected. It added that staff deployment is under review, especially at sensitive posts, and temporary redeployment has been ordered wherever risks are noticed.
Other measures
Short-term measures (within 30 days)
The department said preliminary scrutiny is underway after issuing show-cause notices to certain staff. Where a prima facie case is found, departmental inquiries will be initiated strictly as per service rules. Inter-agency coordination has also begun, and formal requests have been made where legally required to obtain technical evidence, subject to approvals. Surveillance systems are being recalibrated, CCTV angles adjusted to remove blind spots, new standard operating procedures introduced, and staff briefed on preventing contraband and ensuring accountability.
Medium-term measures (within 90 days)
Prison authorities plan a feasibility study on technological upgrades, including mobile phone detection systems and improved digital monitoring tools. The department said these require statutory approvals, technical safeguards and budget sanction. CCTV coverage and data storage will be expanded as per procurement norms. An internal audit of security protocols is also planned, followed by corrective action.
Ongoing measures
The action plan provides for continuous monitoring through periodic reports on searches, seizures and disciplinary action. The department said deterrence and accountability are central to the review process, and action will be prompt and proportionate wherever legally admissible evidence establishes guilt. Senior-level reviews will be held every quarter to assess progress and make necessary changes.
In the same report, published by The Goan on Wednesday, the department clarified that the mere presence of electrical points inside the jail does not by itself prove deliberate facilitation of illegal mobile phone use, though it admitted this points to a serious systemic weakness.
The submission followed the High Court’s reprimand on January 8, after an undertrial accused of murder allegedly made a threatening call from inside the jail.
