NDPS cases filed after security breaches at Kapurthala Central Jail

A series of security breaches at Kapurthala Central Jail has led to multiple cases being registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Prisons Act, following the recovery of narcotics, mobile phones and other prohibited items during coordinated search operations inside the prison premises.

According to official sources, the first case was registered after jail authorities recovered suspected narcotic substances from an under trial prisoner lodged in Ward No. 7 of the jail. Acting on a written communication from Assistant Jail Superintendent Kirpal Singh, police booked Pawan Kumar alias Hattan alias Kannu, a resident of Jalandhar, under Sections 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act along with Section 42 of the Prisons Act.

During a routine barrack search, officials reportedly found a yellow wax-coated envelope concealed beneath the inmate’s pillow. Upon weighing, the contents were said to include 19 grams of a white intoxicating substance and 80 grams of bhang, inclusive of packaging. The seized material was taken into possession as per legal procedure and sent for further examination. The authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine how the contraband entered the high-security facility and whether any internal or external assistance was involved.

In a separate surprise search conducted jointly by the jail staff and security personnel, two under trials were allegedly found in possession of mobile phones. Following a complaint by Assistant Jail Superintendent Satpal Singh, police registered cases under Section 52A of the Prisons Act.

The accused, identified as Aman Paswan of Reru village in Jalandhar and Suraj of Chacha Colony in Lohian, were allegedly found with multiple electronic devices, including touchscreen and keypad mobile phones, along with accessories. The devices were seized and investigators are examining possible security lapses that may have facilitated their entry into the jail.

Adding to the concerns, a woman visitor was arrested on allegations of attempting to smuggle narcotics and tobacco products into the prison during a scheduled meeting with an inmate. The case was registered on the complaint of Assistant Superintendent Dheeraj Kumar under Sections 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act and Section 42 of the Prisons Act.

During routine screening of visitors, jail authorities reportedly recovered 33 grams of intoxicating powder, 200 tablets suspected to be psychotropic substances, 70 loose bidis and 150 grams of loose tobacco concealed in the footwear of the accused woman, identified as Renu Rani of Jalandhar. She was taken into custody, and the seized substances have been sent for forensic analysis to confirm their composition.

Officials emphasised that investigation in all cases is ongoing and that due legal process will be followed. Senior authorities have assured that accountability will be fixed if lapses are found and that stringent measures will be implemented to prevent recurrence.