Jaipur: The murder of Chambal dacoit Jagan Gurjar inside Rajasthan’s high-security prison in Ajmer Monday has exposed security failures at multiple levels.Preliminary findings indicate that the CCTV camera covering the cell where Gurjar and the accused, Vishnu Jat alias Bauna, were lodged was not functioning properly at the time of the incident. The two inmates remained locked inside the cell for nearly four hours before prison staff found Gurjar dead in the afternoon.With no video footage available, investigators have relied on forensic evidence, witness statements and the accused’s interrogation to reconstruct the sequence of events.In a high-security prison, CCTV systems are intended not only to preserve evidence but also to facilitate real-time monitoring and immediate intervention.Investigators are also examining whether prison authorities adequately assessed the compatibility of the two inmates before housing them together. Sources familiar with the inquiry said Gurjar and Vishnu had been involved in disputes for some time. If prison authorities were aware of prior hostility between the two, they would ordinarily be expected to review housing arrangements to reduce the risk of violence.The timeline has also come under scrutiny. Officials said both inmates remained inside the locked barrack from around 11am until a guard entered around 3pm and found Gurjar dead. Investigators are examining whether mandatory checks were conducted during this period and whether prison supervision protocols were followed.Over the past many years, authorities have repeatedly recovered mobile phones and other prohibited items from inmates. Taken together, these incidents point to recurring vulnerabilities in surveillance, contraband detection, perimeter security and staff oversight rather than isolated operational lapses, correctional experts said. The prison department is expected to review CCTV maintenance records, inmate classification procedures and internal monitoring protocols as part of the inquiry.
