Drug smuggling cases in Punjab jails: After HC intervention, state forms panels

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A copy of the DGP’s order, dated May 16, placed on record before Justice NS Shekhawat’s Bench, said the range-level committees would be headed by the range ADGP/IGP/DIG, while the commissionerate-level panels would be led by the Commissioner of Police.

IPS officer and Additional Director-General of Police, ANTF, Nilabh Kishore, had also been directed to supervise the scrutiny of panel files in all such cases.

Justice Shekhawat had earlier rapped the Amritsar (Rural) SSP for adopting “a very casual approach” in interrogating jail officials allegedly promoting smuggling from Amritsar Central Jail. The SSP was directed to appear in court with the complete investigation record.

The censure came during hearings in three connected petitions, wherein the accused were allegedly involved in smuggling operations while confined in Central Jail. The Bench had observed that such smuggling was not possible without the “active collusion” of senior jail officers and the local police. Clear directions had been issued to the SSP to personally examine the investigation file and submit an affidavit explaining why jail officials had not been arraigned as accused. However, the SSP delegated the matter to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the Bench had observed.

“Once there was a specific direction to the SSP to read the file of the case personally and to take effective steps accordingly; he could not have delegated the matter further to a DSP,” Justice Shekhawat had remarked, warning that the conduct bordered on contempt.

During resumed hearing, the court was told that Amritsar (Rural) SSP Maninder Singh had appeared in court in compliance with the May 14 order and submitted an affidavit. His unconditional apology for non-compliance with the court’s March 3 interim order was accepted.

The State counsel informed the Bench that the SSP was now himself examining the role of jail officials. An application would be moved before the trial court for permission to carry out further investigation. It was assured that any jail official found involved would face legal action without exception.

Adjourning the matter to July 28, Justice Shekhawat directed that a fresh status report of the investigation be filed through an affidavit by the Amritsar (Rural) SSP, who must continue to monitor the probe personally. His personal appearance was exempted until further orders.

‘Active collusion’ of jail officers, cops

The Bench had observed that such smuggling was not possible without the ‘active collusion’ of senior jail officers and the local police. Clear directions had been issued to the SSP to personally examine the investigation file and submit an affidavit explaining why jail officials had not been arraigned as accused