Reports on drugs, lack of security in jails exaggerated, says minister

The minister downplayed the claims of former DGP Shashi Kant who had raised the issue of a nexus between the powerful people of Punjab and the jail staff

Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Cabinet Minister for Jails, Tourism who also holds the additional charge of Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, on Friday claimed all the reports on lack of security arrangements or presence of drugs inside jails were "exaggerated".

The minister, who was on his maiden visit to the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), said, "Just a couple of days ago, we conducted surprise raids at Sangrur and Hoshiarpur jails along with magistrates, and we did not find anything illegal there."

The minister downplayed the claims of former DGP Shashi Kant who had raised the issue of a nexus between the powerful people of Punjab and the jail staff. "I have personally looked into the matter and have not found any such thing," he added.

Asked about the recent incidents of inmates escaping from jails, Phillaur said, "We have nabbed the inmates and at the same time suspended the officials responsible for lapses while inquiries against others are on."

"There is a shortage of security staff in jails. Recently, I had held a meeting with the DGP, who has asked his SSPs and CPs to provide us with staff wherever possible," he added.

Addressing the university officials, the minister said promotion and popularisation of livestock profession was the need of the hour to explore new dimensions for livestock farming sector. "It is a new ray of hope if we develop the profession in a technical and scientific way," he said.

Vice-Chancellor V K Taneja highlighted the livestock scenario in Punjab vis-a-vis GADVASU role.

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