Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Apr 15: In a major security overhaul, the Central Jail at Colvale, Goa, has issued a strict directive barring inmates from receiving food from visitors. The move comes in the wake of repeated incidents involving the smuggling of mobile phones and other contraband cleverly concealed in food items—some even hidden in chapatis.

As per an official notice issued by Jail Superintendent Shankar B Gaonkar, the decision aligns with the recent activation of a “full-fledged canteen” within the jail premises. The notice informed inmates and their families that prisoners would now have to rely on the in-house canteen for any additional dietary needs, beyond the standard meals provided by the jail authorities.

“Visitors can no longer hand over food to inmates. However, they are permitted to deposit money in the inmates’ accounts, which can be used to purchase items from the canteen,” the superintendent stated.

According to jail officials, the restriction is intended to combat the recurring issue of smuggled items—particularly mini mobile phones, tobacco, and narcotics—being slipped inside food packages. A source within the department revealed that phones smaller than an index finger were frequently discovered hidden inside food wrappers and chapatis.

This latest step follows a high-profile incident just two months ago, where four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent, were suspended for their alleged role in facilitating the entry of narcotics into the prison.

The Goa Human Rights Commission, in a previous inspection report, had recommended the installation of mobile jammers and robust CCTV monitoring to prevent the misuse of communication devices within the jail.

As part of reform measures, the authorities had also introduced a ‘smart card phone system’ in August last year, allowing inmates to make monitored calls to family and legal counsel through seven dedicated phones installed inside the jail.

With the implementation of the new food policy and technological safeguards, the jail administration aims to tighten internal security and stem the inflow of banned items—ensuring a safer, more regulated correctional environment.