Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Months-Long CCTV Failure at Balurghat Correctional Home Raises Security Concerns
Balurghat Central Correctional Home has about 60 security cameras.
All of them stopped working after a lightning strike.
They have reportedly remained broken for several months.
The cameras helped staff watch inmates and notice problems.
Nearly 800 people are held at the facility.
Without the cameras, staff must watch more areas themselves.
Authorities are also worried about cell phones being thrown over the wall.
They have asked for repairs, 40 new cameras and more staff.
All 60 CCTV cameras at Balurghat Central Correctional Home have reportedly been non-functional for months after a lightning strike.
The cameras, installed in 2019, were used to monitor inmates and detect incidents across the facility.
Nearly 800 undertrials and convicts are housed at the correctional home, where several areas now lack electronic surveillance.
Authorities are concerned that non-functional cameras could make it harder to prevent cell phones from being smuggled over the boundary wall.
The facility has requested repairs, 40 additional cameras and the filling of more than 60 vacant staff posts.
- Who
- Balurghat Central Correctional Home authorities, including superintendent Rajesh Kumar Mondal, and nearly 800 inmates.
- What
- All 60 installed CCTV cameras are non-functional, prompting requests for repairs, 40 additional cameras and more personnel.
- When
- The cameras were installed in 2019 and reportedly became defunct for months after a lightning strike.
- Where
- Balurghat Central Correctional Home in Balurghat, one of two central correctional homes in north Bengal.
- Why
- The loss of surveillance has raised security concerns, including difficulty monitoring incidents and possible attempts to smuggle cell phones into the facility.
- Existing cameras
- Around 60 CCTV cameras, all currently non-functional
- Camera installation
- Installed in 2019
- Inmate population
- Nearly 800 undertrials and convicts
- Requested additions
- 40 new CCTV cameras
- Staffing shortage
- More than 60 posts reportedly vacant
- Current personnel
- Around 45 employees managing security and other responsibilities
- Reported cause
- A lightning strike reportedly caused the cameras to stop working