The Punjab Government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it has formed committees to investigate the role of jail officials in drug smuggling cases originating from prisons across the state.
This assurance was given after the Court strongly criticized the lack of proper investigation in cases of drug smuggling from Punjab jails. Justice N.S. Shekhawat particularly pointed out the “unholy collusion between the police officials and the jail officials” and said:
“It appears that the SSP had taken a very casual approach in interrogating the jail officials, who were allegedly promoting drug smuggling from Central Jail, Amritsar.”
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Responding to the Court's earlier order, the State's counsel submitted that a senior officer—the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Amritsar (Rural)—is now personally examining the role of the jail officials. The state also assured:
“The role of jail officials shall be investigated fairly and impartially, and if any jail official is found involved, he shall not be spared and appropriate legal action shall be taken.”
The government presented an order dated May 16, 2025, issued by the Director General of Police, Punjab, which confirms the formation of Range-Level and Commissionerate-Level Committees to examine cases registered under the NDPS Act where there are allegations of jail-based smuggling.
At the Range Level, each committee will be led by ADGP/IGP/DIG, while at the Commissionerate Level, the Commissioner of Police will lead. In addition:
“Mr. Nilabh Kishore, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (ANTF), Punjab, has been directed to supervise these committees in all related cases.”
The High Court, while adjourning the matter to July 28, 2025, directed the SSP to submit a fresh status report through an affidavit and to personally monitor the ongoing investigation.
The Court was hearing three connected petitions, where the accused were allegedly coordinating smuggling activities from inside Central Jail, Amritsar. Justice Shekhawat observed:
“Such smuggling could not take place without active collusion between senior jail officers and local police.”
The Court noted its disappointment in how the SSP had earlier delegated the probe to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), despite orders to lead the investigation personally. Highlighting the negligence, the Court said:
“It is shocking that instead of questioning jail officials immediately, the police merely sent official letters to them. Worse, these letters were sent to officials who were themselves suspects.”
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In another pointed remark, the Court said:
“In effect, the investigation powers were given to the suspects themselves. This cannot be permitted in law.”
The judge emphasized that the mandatory legal procedures were ignored, reflecting a serious breach and indicating deeper collusion between authorities inside and outside the prison system.
This case includes petitioners represented by:
- Mr. Rishu Mahajan in CRM-M-43555-2024,
- Mr. Ankur Jain in CRM-M-45561-2024,
- Mr. Hitesh Chopra and Mr. Amit Kumar in CRM-M-1577-2025,
with Mr. M.S. Bajwa, Deputy Advocate General of Punjab, representing the state.
Title: SHAMSHER SINGH @ SHERA VS STATE OF PUNJAB
