VARANASI: At least 30 prisoners from different jails of Jammu and Kashmir were brought in a special Indian Air Force plane and lodged in high-security cells of the Varanasi central jail on Monday night.

Following the revocation of J&K’s special status, high-risk prisoners including terrorists and secessionists, are being shifted to various jails across the country. The prisoners brought here on Monday night were mainly lodged in prisons of Srinagar and Baramulla .

SSP Anand Kulkarni TOI on Tuesday that the IAF plane landed at the city’s LBS International Airport, from where the prisoners were sent to the jail amid tight security. “They have been kept in high-security cells within the jail. The security of the jail has also been enhanced,” he added.

The district administration and police swung into action on Monday evening after the district magistrate’s office was alerted in this regard by high authorities. Around 7pm, DM Surendra Singh and Kulkarni along with a heavy police force and central paramilitary personnel reached the airport. Following the landing of IAF’s special flight, CCTV-equipped Vajra vehicles were taken to the apron.

After boarding the prisoners in the Vajra vehicles, they were taken to Central jail amidst tight security. The DM and SSP, who also reached the facility, stayed there till all the prisoners were sent to high-security cells.

