Ludhiana: In a major breach of prison security, a medical officer and a TB technician posted at Ludhiana Central Jail were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly running a drug-smuggling racket with the help of inmates. The duo reportedly accepted money through UPI transactions from the relatives of prisoners in exchange for supplying drugs and other banned items inside the jail.
Racket Exposed After Contraband Recovery
The arrests follow a month-long investigation launched after Deputy Superintendent Jagjit Singh filed a complaint on October 27, when authorities seized 117 intoxicating capsules and three mobile phones from inmates. Police officials revealed that after the arrests, nearly half of the jail’s medical staff have fled, raising further suspicion.
Financial Trail Gives Away the Accused
ASI Dinesh Kumar, who is heading the probe, told Hindustan Times that the inmates were questioned under a production warrant. During interrogation, the names of the medical officer and TB technician emerged. The two were arrested soon after, and bank account checks revealed multiple suspicious digital transactions linked to them.
Fake Medical Referrals for Cash
Investigators found that the accused often referred inmates to the civil hospital under the guise of medical treatment. These referrals were allegedly used as opportunities to facilitate illegal exchanges in return for money.
More Arrests Likely
Police suspect that more individuals may be involved in the racket. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected as the financial and digital evidence is analysed.
Serious Concerns Over Jail Security
The case has once again highlighted lapses in internal monitoring and security mechanisms within Ludhiana Central Jail.
Related Incidents
Earlier, a doctor with multiple past drug-related cases was arrested in Mangaluru for allegedly sourcing narcotics from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and distributing them locally. That arrest was the ninth made in a larger crackdown on a citywide drug supply network.
