A surprise raid was conducted in barrack number 5A of Lalitpur Jail on Sunday, where former MP and strongman from Balrampur, Rizwan Zaheer, is currently lodged. The raid revealed that Zaheer was enjoying VVIP facilities in jail which are in violation of prison norms.

Authorities discovered Rs 30,000 in cash hidden under a pillow along with a range of luxury items including desi ghee, branded shampoos, creams, sweets, premium food and beverages.

Additionally, the authorities also found he was sleeping on a thick mattress with soft pillows, had crockery for meals and even a battery-powered fan.

The incident has raised serious questions about jail administration and the alleged preferential treatment given to high-profile inmates despite being under serious criminal charges.

Rizwan Zaheer, a former MP from Balrampur, has been in custody at Lalitpur District Jail since July 2022.

He is accused of conspiring in the murder of Firoz Ahmad Pappu, the former chairman of Tulshipur Nagar Panchayat. The Uttar Pradesh Police has also invoked the Gangster Act against him.