Arrest of Deputy Superintendent in Connection with Gangster's Viral Video
A Deputy Superintendent of the Central Jail in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been arrested in connection with an investigation into a purported viral video recorded by a gangster from inside the prison, police said on Sunday. Harbhajan Singh, posted as Deputy Superintendent at the Central Jail, was taken into custody by the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Staff during the intervening night of July 4 and 5. The arrest is linked to an FIR registered at City Police Station, Hoshiarpur, on June 14.
Legal Provisions Invoked
According to police, Harbhajan Singh has been booked under relevant provisions of the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, authorities did not immediately disclose the specific allegations or evidence that led to the arrest of the jail official.
Background of the Viral Video
The case stems from a purported video of Manpreet Singh alias Manna, a resident of Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, who is lodged in the Central Jail, Hoshiarpur. The video surfaced on social media on June 14. In the video, Manpreet alleged harassment by jail staff, demands for money, and the availability of narcotics inside the prison. He also claimed that some jail personnel assaulted inmates and appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to undertake reforms in jails and provide inmates an opportunity to improve their lives.
Inquiry and Recovery of Mobile Phone
Following the circulation of the video, jail authorities initiated an inquiry into the allegations. During the investigation, a SIM-less mobile phone was recovered from Manpreet Singh’s possession inside the jail, police said. The recovery of the phone raised questions about security protocols within the high-security prison.
Political Fallout
The video triggered a political row, with opposition leaders questioning the functioning of the jail administration and how a gangster lodged in a high-security prison was able to circulate such a video. The incident has brought attention to the broader issues of prison management and corruption in Punjab's correctional facilities.
