Mizoram’s weekly investigative magazine, The Frontier Despatch, has revealed serious lapses in prison security at the Central Jail, including failure to act on recommendations made nearly three years ago by a government-appointed security audit. The report reveals that a security audit had recommended the replacement of ageing barbed wire fencing, but authorities failed to act. The report also reveals that mock security drills, recommended to be held twice monthly, have not been conducted as advised. The issue has been further scrutinised following a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Zofa Welfare Organisation in 2022. The Guwahati High Court observed that construction and renovation work at the Central Jail was “minimal” despite substantial funds being allocated. The court has directed the Mizoram government to submit an affidavit within two months detailing the status of the renovation and construction work.
