Kolkata, August 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Mobile phones and other internet-enabled devices recovered from the jail cell of Aftab Ansari, the mastermind behind the January 2002 attack on the American Centre in Kolkata, have been sent for forensic examination, a senior Kolkata Police officer said on Sunday.
The Detective Department is examining the devices to determine whom Ansari was communicating with, whether any calls were made to Pakistan and what activities or conspiracies may have been discussed while he was in judicial custody.
Investigators are also examining the people Ansari met during his imprisonment and identifying prisoners with whom he was in contact. His visitors and their movements are also being scrutinised as part of the probe.
Police sources said the recovered mobile phones contained communication applications including WhatsApp and Telegram. Investigators are particularly examining a suspected call to a Pakistani number.
Officials are also looking into whether the devices were being used in connection with any planned sabotage involving a militant organisation or an attempted escape from prison.
Security around Ansari’s cell has been strengthened, and investigators are questioning him inside the correctional home.
The Detective Department conducted a surprise raid and search of his cell on Friday night after receiving information that mobile communications were allegedly being made from the cell several times a day.
Police recovered three mobile phones, two routers, one Wi-Fi device, two card readers, a pen drive and earphones from his clothes and bedding. Cash amounting to Rs 31,000, entirely in Rs 500 denominations, was also allegedly found in his possession.
A case has been registered at Hastings Police Station and an investigation is underway into how the prohibited devices and cash reached the cell.
Police are also examining the possible involvement of prison officials and staff. Investigators said a key focus is to establish the persons and locations with which Ansari communicated using the recovered devices.
Ansari, a former operative of the terrorist group Asif Reza Commando (ARC), which had links with Pakistan-based militant organisations including Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami (HUJI) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), is serving a life sentence at Presidency Central Correctional Home in south Kolkata.
FOLLOW NOW
