Jailer shunted for letting inmates make video calls
Ajmer, Aug. 9 -- Ajmer Central Jail jailer Saddam Hussain has been suspended for allegedly facilitating an unauthorised video call between three prisoners and Nafis Chishti, an accused in the high-profile 1992 obscene photo blackmail case. Jail Director General Ashok Rathore ordered Hussain's suspension and posted his headquarters at Sriganganagar during the suspension period. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated.
A video of the incident has surfaced and is believed to be around eight to 10 months old. In the video, Hussain is seen speaking to Chishti on a video call from outside the jail before allegedly arranging a conversation between Chishti and three prisoners - Syed Tauseef, Tariq Chishti and Fakhar Jamal - in his office using his mobile phone.
The three prisoners had been sentenced to seven years each in 2025 in connection with a 2014 life-threatening attack on Haji Syed Bilal Hussain Chishti. The High Court had also upheld the verdict. Tariq and Fakhar are currently out on bail, while Tauseef Chishti remains lodged in Ajmer Central Jail.
Following the surfacing of the video, Ajmer Central Jail superintendent Anteshwar said the matter was under investigation and witnesses were being gathered. He said action would be taken as per rules and a formal complaint would be registered at Civil Lines police station.
He said the jail administration makes every possible effort to prevent mobile phones from entering the jail illegally, but if an official himself misuses one, "it is extremely wrong."
Convicted prisoner Tauseef Chishti, who allegedly spoke to his family through an unauthorised video call, has since been shifted from Ajmer Central Jail to Bharatpur Central Jail, police sources confirmed. The transfer was carried out on the directions of Rathore.
The incident has raised further concerns within the jail department as the video appears to show the three prisoners sitting comfortably in the jailer's office and speaking to Chishti while laughing. Hussain is also heard ending the call by saying, "Okay Chacha" to Chishti.
Chishti, who has been granted bail by the High Court in the 1992 obscene photo blackmail case, has continued to face allegations of criminal activity. Eight years ago, a special police team under then SP Vikas Kumar allegedly recovered crores of rupees in cricket betting from his house. Gujarat Police had also named Chishti and Farukh Chishti as accused in a Rs.24-crore smack smuggling case.
An FIR is being registered at Civil Lines police station in connection with the incident. Police will investigate the matter and conduct a forensic examination of Hussain's mobile phone to determine whether he had any other role involving the prisoners beyond the video call....
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