Cuttack, April 3: The Odisha government is set to strengthen security across prisons by installing high-sensitivity AI cameras and enhancing infrastructure following the recent escape of two undertrial prisoners from Choudwar Circle Jail.

Under the new system, alarms will be triggered if inmates approach boundary walls or move outside cells during night hours. The AI cameras will enable round-the-clock monitoring with a database of prisoners’ images.

In the first phase, the upgrade will cover all circle, district and special jails, along with select sub-jails. Watchtowers will be increased, armed guards will be deployed in each circle jail, and boundary walls will be raised with provisions for electrified fencing.

The state, which has 87 prisons, has been facing overcrowding and staff shortages. To address this, the government is also considering recruitment of additional warders and deployment of baggage scanners in key jails to further tighten security.