Police have launched a fresh investigation into three senior jail officials in connection with a drug racket case at Ferozepur central jail. The officials include an Inspector General (IG)-rank officer and two retired Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs).
The alleged incidents of drug recovery inside the prison are said to have taken place between 2005 and 2012. According to the police, these instances were not properly recorded at the time.
Summons Issued to Senior Jail Officials
Authorities have issued summons to the three officials, asking them to appear before the police for questioning. However, only one of them has responded so far.
Retired DIG (Prisons) Lakhwinder Singh Jakhar appeared before the police as summoned. The other two officials—retired DIG (Prisons) Sukhdev Singh Saggu and IG (Prisons) Roop Kumar Arora—have not yet appeared.
Investigation Ordered by ADGP Prisons
The Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) has directed the Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The probe aims to uncover how drugs were allegedly brought into the jail and why the incidents were not reported earlier.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking within Punjab's prison system. The fresh probe specifically targets senior officials who were in charge during the period when the alleged incidents occurred.
Our Take: Accountability Must Reach the Top
This fresh investigation is a necessary step. Drug rackets inside prisons do not operate without some level of oversight failure. Targeting senior officials—including an IG-rank officer—sends a clear message that no one is above scrutiny.
However, the fact that two of the three officials have not yet appeared for questioning is troubling. If the investigation is to be credible, all summoned officials must cooperate fully. The public deserves to know how drugs entered a high-security facility and who enabled it.
In our view, the ADGP Prisons must ensure this probe is not just another formality. Real accountability requires that those responsible—regardless of rank—face consequences. The people of Punjab have seen too many drug-related cases end without justice.
