Ludhiana, October 31 — A police assistant sub-inspector posted at Ludhiana Central Jail was arrested after jail authorities allegedly caught him trying to smuggle narcotics and tobacco inside the prison on Thursday.
The accused, ASI Kamaljit Singh of the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), was frisked when he reported for duty following a shift change. Officials recovered 10 grams of narcotic powder, 325 grams of tobacco, and six tobacco sachets from his pockets, said Assistant Jail Superintendent Jaswinder Singh, who lodged the complaint.
“The frisking was routine, but the staff found suspicious packets on him. On checking, narcotics and tobacco were recovered. The accused admitted he intended to sneak them inside,” said an officer familiar with the inquiry.
Police have registered a case under Sections 22, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act and Sections 42, 45, and 52A(1) of the Prisons Act, confirmed ASI Davinder Singh, the investigating officer. “We are interrogating the accused to determine whether more staff or inmates were involved,” he said.
Officials said this is the second incident in less than three weeks involving drug smuggling attempts by jail personnel.
Earlier, on October 11, narcotics were discovered stuffed inside an LED television during a security check. Investigations later revealed the alleged role of Assistant Superintendent Sukhwinder Singh and two inmates, Ferozedin and Deepak, after CRPF personnel found two packets of drugs — weighing 84 grams and 121 grams — hidden within the TV frame.
Jail authorities said vigilance has been stepped up and strict frisking protocols for staff are being enforced. “Such incidents tarnish the reputation of the institution. We are determined to root out any internal collusion,” said a senior official.
