Kolkata, August 29: Kolkata police’s detective department has recovered three mobile phones with active internet connections and cash from the jail cell of Aftab Ansari, the mastermind behind the January 2002 attack on the American Center.
Ansari is serving a life sentence at the Presidency Central Jail in South Kolkata. He previously led a terrorist organization known as the Asif Raza Commando (ARC), which had links to terrorist groups like Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HUJI) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) based in Pakistan.
Recently, officials from the detective department learned that Ansari was communicating via mobile phone multiple times a day from his cell. Consequently, they conducted a surprise raid on his cell late Friday night.
A police officer stated, “We found three mobile phones, two routers, a Wi-Fi device, two card readers, a pen drive, and earphones hidden in Ansari’s clothing and bedding. Additionally, we discovered ₹31,000 in cash, all in ₹500 notes. An investigation is underway to determine how such items reached the cell of a notorious terrorist like Ansari.”
A case has been registered at the local Hastings police station, and the investigation is considering the possibility of collusion among jail officials and staff.
The primary focus of the investigation is to identify the individuals or locations with whom Ansari was communicating using these devices. Investigators are particularly trying to ascertain if he was in contact with anyone in Pakistan and the methods he used for communication.
Earlier, on August 20, a similar raid was conducted at the Presidency Central Correctional Home, where a smartphone and a SIM card were found with an undertrial prisoner, Abdul Moinuddin.
In recent days, the state administration has taken several measures to eliminate collusion between jail officials and criminals. The superintendent and chief controller of the Presidency Central Correctional Home have also been suspended. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the matter.
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