Date:05/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/05/stories/2007120557400100.htm

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Luggage scanner installed in prison

R. Rajaram

TIRUCHI: Security in Central Prison here has been further strengthened with the installation of a luggage scanner.

The Tiruchi Central Prison, which is over 100 years old, is the second one in the State to be equipped with this advanced security equipment after Coimbatore Central Jail.

Procured at a cost of Rs. 20 lakh under the modernisation of prisons scheme, the scanner was placed at the main entrance of the sprawling jail accommodating over 2,300 inmates on Sunday.

All materials brought by the visitors for the inmates were being scanned by the machine before it was handed over to the prisoners.

The equipment would prevent smuggling of “prohibited articles” inside the jail, prison officials told The Hindu.

In a bid to enhance security, multi-zone door frame metal detectors have already been installed at the Tiruchi prison and at the special prison for women.

The prison authorities have also sent proposals to the State Government seeking Rs. 1.5 crore to procure cell phone jammers for the Tiruchi Central Prison and a luggage scanner for the Cuddalore prison.

A senior prison official said live wire fencing over the compound wall of the Borstal School in Pudukottai, housing prisoners in the age group 16-21 years, had been provided.