DSP Among 19 Arrested in Punjab Drug Racket, Operation Run from Sangrur Jail

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): In a major crackdown on a drug smuggling network operating from within Sangrur jail, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) posted at the prison has been arrested for allegedly facilitating the entry of banned substances and electronic devices into the facility.

The DSP, Gurpreet Singh, who was responsible for security at the jail, was arrested on May 13 after investigations revealed his active involvement in a well-organised smuggling operation. Authorities confirmed that the officer received payments amounting to ₹66,000 — ₹40,000 in cash and ₹26,000 via UPI — from the family of an inmate in exchange for smuggling two mobile phones and 25 grams of heroin.

The case unfolded following a surprise search conducted at the jail last month, during which officials recovered four smartwatches, nine mobile phones, 50 grams of opium, and other contraband items from inmates.

Initial arrests included a Class-4 employee, Prashant Majumdar, along with several inmates. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Manpreet Singh from Amritsar, an associate of inmate Gurvinder Singh. Further links traced communications and transactions to inmate Gurchet Singh Chetta and other inmates — Gurraj Singh and Raghvir Singh — who were in contact with the DSP.

In total, 19 individuals have been arrested so far, including the DSP. The case has been registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Arms Act, and Prisons Act.

Authorities have called the operation one of the most serious breaches of prison security in recent times, as investigations continue into possible wider networks.