An attempt to smuggle items into the jail was foiled when the jail staff caught an accused named Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha as soon as he entered the jail premises.

The incident happened in Ludhiana (Syal). Sukha had been arrested four days earlier for liquor smuggling. Assistant Jail Superintendent Daulat Ram told the Division No. 7 police that Sukha was brought to the jail on 12 November, after being sent to judicial custody.

During the routine checking of his belongings, jail staff found 1 kilogram of tobacco hidden in his bag. When questioned, Sukha made a shocking claim.

He alleged that an ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector) had given him that bag while bringing him to jail. The ASI allegedly asked Sukha to keep the bag with him and said that someone inside the jail would collect it. Sukha said he had no idea what was inside the bag.

Jail authorities immediately informed the police and lodged a formal complaint.

Investigating officer ASI Dinesh Kumar said that an FIR has been registered against both Sukha and ASI Major Singh under Sections 42, 45, and 52A of the Prisons Act at Division No. 7 police station. The ASI was arrested but later released on bail. Sukha will be brought again on production warrant for further questioning.

For context, Sukha was earlier arrested on 8 November after police recovered 20 bottles of illegal liquor from him. ASI Major Singh was assigned to investigate that case.