Guwahati, June 10: Four prison officials, including two Assistant Jailers and a Chief Warder, have been arrested in connection with the recovery of mobile phones and other prohibited items from Sribhumi district jail, exposing what investigators believe was an organised network operating from inside the prison.

Those arrested have been identified as Assistant Jailers Rudra Deori and Biswajit Baruah, Chief Warder Mashir Ali Laskar, and another warder.

The arrests follow a months-long investigation into allegations that inmates were using mobile phones inside the jail to run criminal activities, including extortion and drug-related operations.

The case first drew attention after photographs and information purportedly showing prisoners using mobile phones inside the jail surfaced on social media, raising serious questions about prison security and oversight.

Acting on intelligence inputs, a special team led by Sribhumi Senior Superintendent of Police Leena Doley carried out a surprise late-night raid on February 2. The operation led to the recovery of 29 active mobile phones, sharp weapons and a large quantity of prohibited items from inside the prison.

The seizure triggered a high-level probe into how such contraband had entered one of the district’s most secure facilities.

Investigators subsequently uncovered evidence suggesting that certain prison personnel had facilitated the entry of banned items and enabled illegal activities to continue inside the jail.

Following months of investigation, police arrested the four officials, who are suspected to be key players in the racket. Authorities are now questioning the accused to determine the full extent of the network and identify any additional individuals involved.

The arrests have sent shockwaves through the prison administration and prompted a review of security arrangements within the correctional facility.

Further investigation is underway.