12 New High-Security Cells, 16 VC Rooms At Bhopal Central Jail Soon

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): With the number of inmates linked to anti-national outfits rising steadily, Bhopal Central Jail is set to undergo a significant security upgrade. Officials on Monday announced construction of 12 new high-security cells and 16 advanced video conferencing (VC) rooms to tackle overcrowding and streamline court procedures.

At present, the jail has 60 high-security cells, including the infamous ‘Annda Cell’, but houses 69 prisoners accused of terrorism. Jail Superintendent Rakesh Bangre said that the new cells, each designed to hold only one inmate, will be ready soon. These are specifically intended for those involved in terrorist activities and other high-risk crimes.

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Among the inmates currently lodged in the high-security wing are 23 members of SIMI (Student Islamic Movement of India), 21 from PFI (Popular Front of India), 17 from HUT (Hizb ut-Tahrir), four from JMB (Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh), and four linked to ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). These prisoners are housed individually to maintain strict isolation and ensure high-level monitoring.

Besides cells, the jail is also upgrading its court communication system. Sixteen new video conferencing rooms are under construction in what marks the first phase of a state-wide prison modernisation initiative. At present, the jail operates 13 VC rooms, including two reserved for women’s section. According to officials, only terrorists and high-profile prisoners are presented before courts through these video links, minimising the need for physical transfers and reducing security risks.