Probe ordered into Burail Jail incident: IG

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 15

The police will investigate from where Vivek Kaushal, a temporary warder arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the Burail Jail, used to purchase the narcotics. Besides, an internal probe into the incident has been ordered.

“The accused warder, who was on a contractual appointment, had joined the department around four years ago. An internal probe has been ordered into the incident,” said Dr OP Mishra, IG (Prisons).

Inspector Jaswinder Kaur, SHO Sector 49, police station, said that they would investigate from where the accused used to purchase the drugs. 

Jail officials had nabbed the accused while possessing 385 drug tablets, 6.58 gm of charas and 880 mg of heroin. It is alleged that the drugs were sold to the jail inmates. The accused, Vivek Kaushal, used to reside in a house on the jail campus.

Sources said the jail authorities had received information about Kaushal supplying drugs in the jail, following which his personal search was conducted, leading to the recovery of drugs. 

As per the police, the accused entered the jail premises on Sunday evening and told Harbilas, the head warder, that he has to relieve Malkiat Singh, a warder in the kitchen barrack who has some urgent work.

Kaushal’s duty was at Kot Moka No. 2 from 4 pm to 8 pm. He was searched by warder Sikander Singh at the ‘deodhi’ gate in the presence of Sanjay Kumar, warder (search duty), and Harbilas.

During his search, two pouches, which he had hidden in his underwear, were recovered.

Warder Sikander Singh reported the matter to Deep Kumar, a welfare officer, who was present in the office. The matter was then reported to senior officials.

The jail authorities later informed the police. The cops reached the spot and seized the drugs from the accused. Apart from that a lighter, a pack of cigarettes and Rs 1,000 in cash were also recovered from Kaushal.

On the complaint of Amandeep Singh, Deputy Superintendent (Jail), a case was registered under the Narcotic, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Sector 49 police station.