Patna: Authorities in Bihar carried out coordinated pre-dawn raids at prisons across seven districts on Saturday, in what officials described as a major crackdown aimed at curbing illegal activities behind bars. The action follows Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s recent pledge to intensify oversight in correctional facilities.
Raids were conducted at jails in Patna, Purnia, Begusarai, Motihari, Munger, Darbhanga and Gaya, with district magistrates and superintendents of police leading large contingents of officers. Prison wards, kitchens, bathrooms and staff areas were searched, and inmates were frisked as part of the inspection. Officials said the checks were intended to identify the use of contraband, including mobile phones, and to review security arrangements.
Choudhary, who recently took office, has repeatedly vowed to impose stricter controls on Bihar’s jails, including measures to prevent food and other items from being smuggled in.
In Begusarai, the raid began around 9am and was led by district magistrate Tushar Singla and superintendent of police Manish, with hundreds of officers taking part. Prisoners and barracks were thoroughly examined, according to officials.
At Purnia Central Jail, a two-hour search took place from 6am, involving more than 50 personnel. Among those held there are the notorious figures Phunakesh Singh and Awadhesh Mandal, husband of former Rupauli MLA Bima Bharti.
A similar operation at Patna’s Beur Jail began at 5am, overseen by senior city police officials and the additional district magistrate. Officers combed every ward in the facility while inmates remained inside their cells.
In Munger, a raid was carried out at around 2.30am, with 72 officers participating. Police said that no significant items had been recovered during the search.
The operation continued in Motihari, where a team led by Sadar SDPO Shweta Bhartiya and Sadar SDO Dilip Singh inspected the Central Jail for two hours from 5am. In Gaya, more than 40 officers joined a similar two-hour search beginning at 8am.
Officials have not disclosed whether any arrests or confiscations were made, but indicated that further checks are likely in the coming days as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
