Statewide raids in UP jails yield incriminating objects

Lucknow, Oct 18 (UNI) Several incriminating objects, including a large quantity of psychotropic substances, were today recovered from jails during surprise statewide raids carried out by the district administration.

The surprise raids were conducted on the instructions of the Uttar Pradesh government.

Talking to reporters here this evening, state ADGP (Crime, Law and Order) Brijlal said, ''while the raids yeilded nothing in 49 jails, a joint team of the district administration and police found mafia don Bablu Srivastava roaming in the Bareilly prison precinct.'' He said the jail administration was warned of stringent action, if such cases were unearthed in the future.

Besides, several objectionable materials were seized from Basti, Barabanki, Mahoba, Etawah, Banda, Mathura, Azamgarh, Mau, Gonda, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Kanpur and Rae Bareli jails, the ADGP informed.

Mr Brajlal said the incriminationg objects comprised cell phones, morphine, ganja, beedi, tobacco, blades, match boxes, pan masala and cigarettes. Several prisoners were also found possessing cash.

The state government is likely to take stern action against the authories, including some senior jail officials for their alleged connivance with criminals in providing them items banned inside the jail premises.

During a similar raid conducted in jails across UP on October 7, several objectionable materials including paan masala, paan, bidi, pack of cards, match sticks, cash, talcum powder, facial cream, pocket knives, scissors, blades and countrymade pistols, injectable vitamins and a syringe were recovered.

UNI