In a stunning security breach, prison officials discovered three mobile phones, Wi-Fi equipment, and ₹31,000 in cash hidden inside the cell of Aftab Ahmed Ansari—the convicted mastermind behind the deadly 2002 American Centre attack in Kolkata. The find came during a surprise search operation at the Presidency Correctional Home on August 23, raising serious questions about prison security and the ongoing activities of incarcerated terrorists.

Key facts

  • Three smartphones including an iPhone seized
  • ₹31,000 in cash discovered
  • Wi-Fi routers and hotspot devices found
  • Ansari serving life term for 2002 attack that killed 5 police officers

Intelligence leads to shocking discovery

Senior correctional services officers acted on specific intelligence that Ansari was allegedly using a mobile phone and had internet access within the high-security facility. What they found went beyond expectations: multiple communication devices that could potentially connect the terrorist to contacts outside the country.

"Three smartphones including an iPhone, three SIM cards, two routers, a Wi-Fi hotspot device, a pen drive, an OTG adapter, and wireless earbuds are among the electronic communication devices seized by our staff," a senior officer revealed. The discovery has prompted an immediate investigation into possible collusion by jail staff.

A dangerous history

Ansari's background adds gravity to the situation. He was a key member of the Dubai-based Asif Reza Commando Force, a wing of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Harkat-ul-Jehad-i-Islami. His life sentence in 4 came for orchestrating the January 22, 2002 attack outside the American Centre in Kolkata, where motorcycle-borne gunmen used AK-47 rifles to kill five police personnel and injure 20 others.

Ongailing prison security concerns

This isn't the first security lapse at the Presidency jail. On May 15, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari suspended the superintendent and chief controller after police recovered 23 mobile phones and over 30 SIM cards allegedly used illegally by inmates. The jail authority has now lodged a formal case against Ansari at the Hastings police station as investigators work to trace any international communications.