Smartphones, Wi-Fi Routers and ₹31,000 Cash Seized From Cell of Aftab Ansari in Kolkata Jail Raid

Jail authorities have seized several electronic communication devices, including smartphones and Wi-Fi routers, from the cell of Aftab Ansari at the Presidency Correctional Home in Kolkata, police officials said.

Ansari is serving a life sentence after being convicted in connection with the 2002 American Centre attack, in which five people, including four police personnel, were killed.

A senior police officer familiar with the matter said the electronic devices were recovered during a surprise inspection and that a case has been registered. The investigation into how the prohibited items entered the prison and were being used is currently underway.

Smartphones, Routers and Other Devices Recovered

The seizure took place during a surprise raid on August 23, according to officials.

People familiar with the operation said the items recovered from Ansari’s cell included three smartphones, one of them an iPhone, along with three SIM cards.

The seized material also reportedly included two Wi-Fi routers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two card readers, a pen drive, wireless earbuds, an OTG adapter and several cables.

Jail authorities also recovered approximately ₹31,000 in cash from the cell.

The presence of multiple communication devices inside the prison has raised questions about security and monitoring at the correctional facility.

Case Registered After Jail Raid

A police case was registered on Friday following the seizure, officials said.

Investigators are expected to examine the devices and determine how they were obtained, who may have supplied them and whether they were used to communicate with individuals outside the prison.

Authorities are also examining whether other inmates or prison personnel may have been involved in facilitating access to prohibited electronic devices.

Previous Mobile Phone Seizures at Presidency Correctional Home

The latest seizure comes several months after senior jail officials faced action over allegations that inmates were using mobile phones inside the Presidency Correctional Home.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously said that mobile phones, including smartphones, were being widely used inside the prison and alleged that some jail officials could have been involved.

During joint operations involving prison authorities and Kolkata Police, 23 mobile phones were reportedly recovered from the jail premises.

The latest discovery has renewed concerns about the effectiveness of security checks and restrictions on electronic communication devices inside the facility.

Aftab Ansari and the 2002 American Centre Attack

Aftab Ansari is serving a life sentence after his conviction in the American Centre attack case.

On January 22, 2002, two attackers riding a motorcycle opened fire on security personnel outside the American Centre in Kolkata.

Five people, including four police constables, were killed in the attack, while 20 others were injured.

Ansari was subsequently convicted in the case and remains incarcerated at the Presidency Correctional Home.

The recovery of communication equipment from his cell is now under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the possession and possible use of the devices.