Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail—also known as Mumbai Central Prison—was originally built to house around 999 inmates. However, as of today (June 25, 2025), it is reportedly crammed with 3,461 prisoners, over three times its intended capacity . This severe overcrowding crisis was highlighted during a recent court hearing involving undertrial Munaf Halari (arrested in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case), who requested a shift to the high-security Anda Cell, citing threats from rival inmates. The court refused to move him there but instructed the jail superintendent to ensure his safety in another secure section .

Adding to the strain, the high-security cell was built for just 31 inmates but currently holds 43, including several high-profile gang members, further complicating internal security arrangements . The jail infrastructure is buckling under pressure: facilities originally designed for far fewer prisoners are now pushed beyond capacity, raising urgent human rights and safety concerns .