As Chhattradhar Mahato, leader of the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA), cools his heels in a solitary cell of Presidency jail, he has as neighbours some of the top-notch convicts of Bengal.

Housed in cell block 1-22, popularly known as ‘Poila Baiesh’, the PCAPA leader is lodged amid a cluster of condemned convicts, including Maoist leader Patit Paban Halder and those involved in the American Center shoot out — Rehan Alam, Adil Hasan, Musharat Hussain and Hasrat Alam. Haldar, former state secretary of CPI (Maoist) who was convicted for life for waging war against the state, is Mahato’s immediate neighbour.

Earlier lodged in Midnapore jail, Mahato was shifted to the Presidency central jail on Sunday for security reasons. He is expected to be lodged there till October 21 through his judicial custody period.

“We feel the Presidency central jail has better infrastructure as compared to Midnapore jail. Mahato is a high-profile accused and we have to ensure his security. We do not want to take any chances,” said a top jail officer in Bengal.

The Kolkata police have also increased the number of patrol vans and intensified surveillance around the jail premises.

“More force has been added inside the jail premises. Routine rounds have been doubled. We are also monitoring the movements of Mahato,” said the officer. Mahato was, meanwhile, barefooted when he was escorted to the jail around 10 am today.

“He will be given jail food for now. However, he can ask for food from home, which will be scrutinised and scanned. He will not be given any special privileges and will be treated like any other undertrial, except for the added security,” added the jail officer.