A video posted on social media by gangster Manpreet Singh Manna, an inmate lodged in the Hoshiarpur Central Jail, has sparked a controversy after he levelled serious allegations against the jail administration.
Manna, who is said to be the main accused in the murder case of gangster Kulbir Naruana, went live on Facebook from inside the jail and claimed that illegal drug trade was being carried out on the prison premises. He alleged that inmates were pressured to sell drugs and those who refused were subjected to physical assault.
In the viral video, Manna also accused a woman officer of the jail administration of forcing prisoners to participate in drug-related activities. The authenticity of the allegations was yet to be verified. The Jail Minister has ordered an inquiry into it.
Manna, a resident of Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, is also facing allegations of providing the vehicle allegedly used in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Reacting to the matter, Punjab Jail Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the government had taken the allegations seriously and initiated action. He said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to establish the truth behind the claims made by the inmate.
The minister further said a strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty, irrespective of his rank or position. He said the government’s aim was to send a strong message that such misconduct would not be tolerated and that accountability would be ensured at all levels.
