Odisha plans house arrest and GPS tracking of sub-trials for non-heinous crimes | India News

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is on track to become the first state to use GPS-based tracking devices for detainees charged with non-heinous charges – a move aimed at reducing prison congestion by enabling house arrest for detainees and possibly reducing government spending on prison inmates.
The tracking device, estimated to cost between Rs 10,000 and 15,000, can be strapped to the ankle and is tamper-proof, sources say. A specific range or perimeter is programmed into the device that will immediately alert the police if the suspect exceeds approved limits, resulting in his bail being overturned.
The technology could also be used to control the movement of dangerous criminals in prisons.
“We have proposed to the state government to introduce the technology that will allow us to confine non-violent offenders involved in minor crimes in their homes without sending them to jail,” said DG (Prisons) Manoj Kumar Chhabra.
Recently, the directorate presented the sub-trial ankle tracking system to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Internal Affairs, highlighting the notable prison reforms initiated by the Odisha government.
Chhabra said the main benefit of this initiative is tackling prison overcrowding. The Supreme Court had previously advised states not to arrest criminals for offenses carrying a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Approximately 65% ​​of those tried in Odisha prisons are imprisoned for offenses carrying up to seven years in prison.
“During the process of being granted bail, defendants may be asked if they want jail time or bail. In order to obtain bail, the tracking device can be made compulsory for them. The state does not have to buy the device. Rather, the sub-processes could be required to purchase the device in lieu of a deposit,” Chhabra said.