Kolkata: Days after several electronic devices, including three smartphones, were recovered from the cell of convicted terrorist Aftab Ansari, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari paid a surprise visit to Presidency Correctional Home on Tuesday.This is believed to be the first visit by a chief minister of the state to the correctional home.Adhikari, who arrived around 2.15 pm, paid homage at the bust of Aurobindo Ghosh and visited the cell, where the freedom fighter was once imprisoned. He later interacted with inmates from outside a ward and inquired about their facilities and grievances.The CM asked the inmates about the duration of their stay, their addresses and if they had families. Some were also asked if they practised yoga or undertook any other physical activity at the correctional home.Adhikari also visited the prison workshop, where inmates manufacture garments and other products, and inspected the kitchen. He offered prayers at a temple on the premises.Soon after the BJP govt came to office in Bengal, Adhikari on May 16 warned against an alleged nexus between some correctional administration department employees and criminals. He also spoke about dismantling entrenched criminal networks inside prisons. The latest raid and haul from Ansari’s cell has raised questions over possible lapses and whether any prison staff or officials played a role in facilitating the entry of prohibited items.The investigation has been handed over to the Kolkata Police Special Task Force.
