Kolkata, August 29: Kolkata police’s Detective Department officials have recovered three mobile phones with active internet connections and cash from the cell of Aftab Ansari, the mastermind behind the American Center attack that occurred in January 2002. Ansari is currently serving a life sentence in the Presidency Central Jail in South Kolkata.
Ansari previously led a terrorist organization known as ‘Asif Raza Commando’ (ARC), which had links to terrorist groups based in Pakistan, including ‘Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami’ (HUJI) and ‘Jaish-e-Mohammed’ (JEM).
Recently, authorities became aware of multiple phone conversations taking place from Ansari’s cell throughout the day. Following this, Detective Department officials conducted a surprise raid on his cell on Friday night.
A police officer stated, “Three mobile phones, two routers, a Wi-Fi device, two card readers, a pen drive, and earphones were recovered from Ansari’s clothing and bedding. Additionally, officials found ₹31,000 in cash, all in ₹500 notes. An investigation has now begun into 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 looking into possible collusion among jail officials and staff.
The main focus of the investigation is on the individuals or locations with whom Ansari was communicating using these devices. Investigators are particularly trying to determine whether he was in contact with anyone in Pakistan and what methods he was using for these communications.
Earlier, on August 20, a similar raid was conducted at the Presidency Central Correctional Home, where a smartphone and a SIM card were recovered from an undertrial prisoner, Abdul Moinuddin.
In recent days, the state administration has taken several steps 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 an investigation into the matter by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
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