25 Punjab Jail Officials Suspended Over Corruption and Drug Links

Chandigarh: In a major administrative move, the Punjab government has suspended 25 jail officials amid serious allegations of corruption and drug trafficking within state prisons. This action comes as part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s ongoing campaign to cleanse the prison system and ensure accountability within the correctional facilities.

According to official sources, the suspensions were ordered following increasing complaints of drug smuggling, unauthorized privileges for inmates, and collusion between jail staff and criminal elements. A thorough internal investigation revealed the involvement of multiple jail employees in facilitating illegal activities behind bars.

The suspended officers include jail superintendents, deputy superintendents, wardens, and assistant jail staff. The move is intended to send a strong message that misconduct and negligence in jail administration will not be tolerated. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated, “Jails are supposed to reform, not promote crime. The presence of drugs and the involvement of officials in illegal acts is unacceptable. We are committed to transforming the prison system in Punjab.”

Sources within the Punjab Jail Department confirmed that further inquiries are underway and more disciplinary actions could follow if others are found guilty. The state government has also announced the introduction of surveillance reforms, including advanced CCTV systems, biometric attendance for jail staff, and surprise inspections by senior officials.

The opposition parties have welcomed the move but have also called for an independent inquiry into the larger network of drug supply inside prisons. The Mann government’s tough stance is being viewed as part of a broader effort to control the drug menace in Punjab, which has long been a major issue for the state. In recent months, multiple reports have emerged linking organized crime and drug syndicates operating from within jail premises. The suspended officials will remain under investigation and could face criminal charges if found guilty.