Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Cash, Phones Seized From Terror Attack Mastermind’s Jail Cell
Officials searched Aftab Ansari’s prison cell in Kolkata.
They said they found cash and several electronic items.
The cash, worth ₹31,000, was hidden in a special pocket in one of his shirts.
The reported items included mobile phones, SIM cards, routers, a Wi-Fi device and a pen drive.
Kolkata Police are investigating how these items got into the high-security area.
Ansari has been in custody since 2002.
He is accused of masterminding the American Center attack and the abduction of a shoe-company owner.
That attack killed five people outside the American Center in Kolkata.
Officials allegedly found ₹31,000, SIM cards, phones, routers, a Wi-Fi device, a pen drive and electronic accessories in Aftab Ansari’s cell.
The cash was discovered inside a separately stitched pocket in one of Ansari’s shirts at Presidency correctional home.
Kolkata Police opened an investigation after senior correctional affairs officials filed a complaint at Hastings police station.
Ansari has been held in a high-security prison block since his extradition from Dubai on May 3, 2002.
The January 22, 2002, American Center attack killed five people, including four Kolkata Police constables and a security guard.
- Who
- Kolkata Police and correctional affairs officials are investigating items allegedly found in Aftab Ansari’s cell.
- What
- A search reportedly uncovered ₹31,000 and electronic items, including phones, SIM cards, routers, a Wi-Fi device and a pen drive.
- When
- Officials raided the correctional home on August 23; Ansari has been held there or in related facilities since May 3, 2002.
- Where
- Presidency correctional home in Kolkata; the complaint was filed at Hastings police station.
- Why
- Police began a probe after correctional officials reported finding concealed cash and electronic equipment in the high-security cell.
- Cash found
- ₹31,000
- Reported electronic items
- SIM cards, three mobile phones, a Wi-Fi device, a pen drive and accessories
- Additional items reported
- Two routers were also cited by a senior police officer
- Raid timing
- August 23, between 6pm and 8.15pm
- Prison location
- Presidency correctional home, Kolkata
- Earlier prison raid
- A May surprise raid reportedly found 23 mobile phones
- 2002 attack casualties
- Five people were killed, including four Kolkata Police constables and a security guard