Pune: Yerawada Central Jail Implements Biometric Gate System to Curb Inmate Clashes

Yerawada, 5th July 2024: To curb incidents of inmate clashes, the security system at Yerawada Central Jail is being strengthened with the installation of a biometric gate system for each barrack and circle within the jail premises. This experimental project will prevent prisoners from moving between different barracks, marking Yerawada Jail as the first in Maharashtra to adopt such advanced security measures.

Yerawada Central Jail, originally designed to accommodate 2,323 inmates across thirty barracks, currently houses over 7,000 prisoners, making it the most crowded correctional facility in Maharashtra. It hosts prisoners not only from Pune District but also from Western Maharashtra and nearby districts, contributing to its dense population. The high inmate numbers have posed significant challenges for jail administration in maintaining order, leading to frequent fatal conflicts among prisoners. In response, the prison administration has opted to implement a biometric gate system.

The jail features 45 barracks, 136 segregated cells, and 14 high-security sections. In addition to standard barracks, prisoners are housed in specialized areas such as Anda cells, death row, sick bays, and facilities for senior citizens and foreign nationals. Approximately 70% of the inmates are under remand, contributing to ongoing tensions and conflicts within Yerawada Jail.

To mitigate these issues, the administration is swiftly installing biometric gate systems across all barracks, circles, and segregated cells. This proactive measure aims to restrict unauthorized movements and prevent violent incidents between prisoners. Moreover, a panic alarm button is being introduced to promptly alert authorities to any disturbances, ensuring timely intervention and preventing major incidents.

The biometric gate system requires prisoners to authenticate their identity using thumbprints when entering or exiting barracks or circles. This method ensures that only authorized individuals can move between designated areas, effectively reducing the likelihood of physical altercations. Additionally, the system will also track attendance for all officers and staff, enhancing overall security and accountability within the facility.