Published: 11th March 2018
Selfie in UP prison lands three undertrials in trouble after it goes up on social media
In 2013 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had suggested that prisons be allowed to manage cell phone access which could only be used by authorised phones, but was rejected
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Phones are among the most smuggled items to prisons (representative image) | AP
Social media landed three undertrial prisoners in an Uttar Pradesh jail in trouble after they took a selfie and uploaded it on social media from within the premises, police said on Sunday. The smartphone used for the purpose was seized and a case has been registered against the three undertrials.
The jail superintendent said the three are accused of murder and attempt to murder. A few days ago a lawyer was arrested for carrying a mobile phone to his client, who is lodged in jail. Several cases of prisoners having access to cell phones have been reported since 2016. Mobile phones are the most smuggled item in prisons, according to reports.
However, several prisons have contemplated and adopted routine breaks where inmates are allowed to interact with family or friends. Tihar Jail in Delhi has an Inmate Phone Call System where inmates are allowed to communicate with family and friends for a limited time-period. The once-once-a-week routine was later extended to all days of the week.