Now Reading: Goa CM orders probe into Colvale jail ‘illicit economy’
-
01
Goa CM orders probe into Colvale jail ‘illicit economy’
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed the Director General of Police to investigate alleged irregularities at Colvale Central Jail, where an illicit economy and smuggling of contraband have been reported. The…
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed the Director General of Police to investigate alleged irregularities at Colvale Central Jail, where an illicit economy and smuggling of contraband have been reported. The jail's administration was recently brought under the Police Department, with Superintendent of Police-rank officers now overseeing operations.
Reports allege an underground economy at the prison, with inmates paying thousands for unauthorised food items including Rs 7,000 for tandoori, Rs 1,000 for fried rice and Rs 500 for fish. Fruits supplied to inmates were allegedly diverted to brew wine, and digital payments via GPay and other UPI apps were used to facilitate transactions. A jail constable was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 1.65 kg of ganja.
The opposition Congress has demanded an independent probe into the alleged 'cash economy' inside the jail. AAP MLA Cruz Silva has demanded suspension of officials found responsible. The DGP inquiry will examine the irregularities and identify lapses at Goa's largest correctional facility.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Colvale case echoes similar scandals at high-security prisons like Tihar and Yerwada, where mobile phones and drugs entered despite layers of checks. Inmates with money can create a parallel market for food, alcohol and phones, often with staff complicity. The key test now is whether the DGP inquiry leads to specific arrests and systemic fixes, such as mandatory scanning of all deliveries and rotating staff. If the probe is not made public or results only in transfers, it will be seen as a whitewash. The opposition is watching closely: an independent probe would signal the government takes the problem seriously.
Source: timesnownews.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
