Belagavi Villages Endure Year-Long Mobile Blackout from Prison 5G Jammers
Residents of Hindalga and surrounding villages in Belagavi district have been grappling with severely disrupted mobile and internet connectivity for over a year. The root cause is high-frequency 5G jammers installed at the Hindalga Central Jail to prevent inmates from illegally using mobile phones. This technological measure, while aimed at security, has created a communication crisis for the local population.
Widespread Impact on Daily Life and Services
Since the jammers were installed in February last year, mobile networks within a 3 to 4 kilometer radius of the jail have been severely affected. Villages including Hindalga, Vijayanagar, Ganeshpur, and Benakanahalli report that the disruption has crippled daily activities. Banking transactions, online services, and government work have all been hampered, causing significant inconvenience and economic strain.
Despite repeated complaints, memorandums, and even a rasta roko protest, residents have received no relief. Their primary demand has been to reduce the jammer frequency to minimize the spillover effect. However, recent statements from officials have only heightened anxiety in the area.
Official Statements and Heightened Concerns
During a visit to the jail on Tuesday, prisons department DGP Alok Kumar indicated that the jammer frequency might be increased further to enhance security. He noted that connectivity was still available inside the prison despite the jammers, particularly on the Airtel network, and steps were being considered to address the issue.
When questioned about the impact on surrounding villages, senior officials admitted there was no immediate solution. "The only solution is shifting the central jail to another location," an official stated, implying that relocation is not feasible in the near future. This has left residents feeling hopeless and frustrated.
Community Response and Activist Voices
Local activist Ravikumar Kokitkar highlighted that the problem has persisted for more than a year without any improvement. "Many residents have stopped using BSNL and Jio altogether. If the frequency is increased further, it will affect government offices, gram panchayats, banks, and online services," he warned. Kokitkar added that a village meeting will be held soon to decide on the next course of action, potentially escalating protests.
Background and Failed Assurances
Previously, the jail operated 2G jammers that caused minimal interference beyond the prison premises. The system was upgraded to high-frequency 5G jammers after inmate Jayesh Pujari allegedly used a phone from inside the jail to threaten Union minister Nitin Gadkari and demand ransom. This security upgrade, however, has had unintended consequences for the local community.
Residents said repeated assurances from authorities, including Belagavi Rural MLA and Women and Child Welfare minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, have so far failed to resolve the issue. The lack of action has eroded trust in local governance and left villagers in a communication blackout, struggling to access essential services in an increasingly digital world.
