Authorities have launched an investigation after an inmate lodged in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur Central Jail allegedly livestreamed videos from inside the prison, claiming that narcotics are readily available to inmates and accusing officials of facilitating their supply.
The inmate, identified as Manpreet Singh alias Manna, is an accused in multiple extortion, firing and murder cases. He was arrested by Patiala Police in December last year and is alleged to have links with the Lucky Patial gang. In videos that surfaced on social media, Manna allegedly displayed a packet he claimed contained “ICE” (methamphetamine), a synthetic drug. He further alleged that narcotics were being supplied within prisons and claimed he could identify officials involved in the illegal activity.
The accused also challenged authorities to place him under police remand, stating that he would disclose the names of individuals allegedly connected to the drug network operating inside jails. He additionally levelled allegations against a jail official and claimed that the mobile phone used for the livestream belonged to that official.
During the livestream, Manna criticised the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign and alleged mistreatment of inmates inside the prison. Following the circulation of the videos, Hoshiarpur Police registered a case related to the recovery and use of the mobile phone inside the jail. Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Malik said a comprehensive investigation had been initiated, including a probe into the possible involvement of prison staff.
Hoshiarpur Central Jail Superintendent Satnam Singh confirmed that an internal inquiry is underway and said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.
The incident has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the effectiveness of the state’s anti-drug drive and prison administration.
Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the episode raised serious concerns about accountability and law enforcement within correctional facilities. He questioned how such activities could occur despite repeated government claims of improving law and order.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also demanded an impartial investigation, asking how narcotics could allegedly enter prisons while the government continues to project success in its campaign against drug abuse. The Punjab government has not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations. Officials have indicated that further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities are now examining how the inmate allegedly gained access to a mobile phone inside a high-security prison and whether any prison personnel were involved in facilitating prohibited activities.
