Punjab Home Guard Member Arrested for Smuggling Contraband into Ludhiana Central Jail

In a significant crackdown on illicit activities within prison walls, a Punjab Home Guard personnel has been apprehended for allegedly smuggling prohibited items into the high-security Ludhiana Central Jail. The arrest underscores the persistent challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing the entry of contraband, even with the involvement of those tasked with maintaining order.

The accused, identified as Paramjit Singh, a member of the Punjab Home Guard, was taken into custody following a focused search operation conducted inside the jail premises.

Authorities confirmed that Singh was caught in possession of various banned items, including mobile phones, chargers, and tobacco products, all intended for inmates.

The meticulous operation was spearheaded by Deputy Superintendent Gurtej Singh. During the thorough search, it was discovered that Paramjit Singh was actively involved in a scheme to introduce these illegal articles into the correctional facility.

His arrest sends a strong message regarding the zero-tolerance policy against any personnel compromising the integrity of the prison system.

Following his apprehension, an FIR was promptly registered against Paramjit Singh at Police Station Division No. 7. He faces serious charges under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.

Crucially, charges have also been pressed under Sections 42 and 52 of The Prisons (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2023, which imposes stringent penalties for such offenses.

The investigation didn't stop with the Home Guard personnel. Further inquiries led to the arrest of two inmates, Vishal Gill and Rajvir Singh, who are alleged to have been the intended recipients of the smuggled items.

Their involvement highlights the complex network often at play in facilitating the flow of contraband within jails, involving both external facilitators and internal beneficiaries.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jasroop Kaur confirmed the arrests and assured that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to uncover the full extent of this smuggling operation and identify any other individuals who might be involved.

The authorities are committed to dismantling such networks to ensure the safety and security of the prison environment.

This incident comes in the wake of the implementation of The Prisons (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2023, which was enacted precisely to combat the growing menace of illegal items in jails.

Under this amended act, the supply of prohibited items inside prison premises is now a non-bailable offense, carrying severe penalties that can include imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a hefty fine of up to Rs 50,000. This legislation empowers law enforcement to take decisive action against offenders, be they inmates, visitors, or even staff members.

The Punjab Jails Department has been proactively working to curb illegal activities, with numerous search operations and awareness campaigns.

Despite these efforts, instances of jail staff being involved in smuggling continue to surface, underscoring the constant vigilance required to maintain a secure and reformed correctional system. This recent arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption and illicit dealings within the prison framework.