Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 23: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Media and Communication Chairman Amarnath Panjikar has demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry into allegations of an informal cash economy operating inside the Modern Central Jail at Colvale, amid reports of unauthorised food businesses, diversion of government supplies and prohibited items allegedly being brought into the prison.

Panjikar, in a letter to Chief Minister and Home Minister Pramod Sawant, referred to a report by The Goan that raised allegations of inmates or others being able to arrange food and other facilities in exchange for money. The allegations reportedly include payments of Rs 7,000 for tandoori meals, Rs 1,000 for fried rice and Rs 500 for fish and coriander. The report also alleged that money was being paid for bringing unauthorised items, including televisions, into the jail.

Panjikar said the allegations were serious and raised questions about security arrangements, supervision and accountability at the state's central prison. He urged Sawant to order an impartial investigation to establish whether the reported practices had actually taken place and identify those responsible.

The Congress leader called for investigators to examine CCTV footage, gate-entry records, visitor registers, kitchen and mess records, ration-stock registers and procurement documents. He also sought a comprehensive audit of food supplies provided by the government to determine whether provisions meant for inmates were being diverted or misused.

“If the allegations are false, establish the truth. If they are true, fix responsibility and take action irrespective of rank or position,” Panjikar said.

The demand comes amid heightened scrutiny of security and alleged contraband-related activities at Colvale Central Jail. A joint search by prison authorities and Goa Police on Aug 21 resulted in the recovery of several mobile phones from inmate blocks.

The developments follow the recent arrest of a woman security guard who was allegedly intercepted while attempting to bring suspected ganja and other prohibited items into the prison. Police subsequently arrested an inmate in connection with the alleged contraband network and began investigating whether other inmates or staff were involved.

The government has also been considering transferring certain convicted prisoners to jails outside Goa amid concerns over drugs, mobile phones and organised networks operating from within the Colvale facility.

Panjikar's demand for an independent inquiry therefore comes at a time when the functioning and security of Colvale Central Jail are already under increased public and political scrutiny. The proposed investigation, he said, should establish the facts, determine responsibility and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed irrespective of the rank or position of those involved.