Arrested Punjab jail officer’s party video surfaces amid Hoshiarpur drug probe

A video purportedly showing an arrested Deputy Jail Superintendent dancing with a former undertrial at a private function has surfaced, adding a fresh angle to the investigation into the alleged drug smuggling racket inside Hoshiarpur Central Jail.

The officer seen in the video has been identified as Harbhajan Singh, who was recently arrested in connection with the case. According to sources, the footage was recorded during the retirement party of a Sub-Inspector posted at the jail. The video allegedly shows Harbhajan Singh dancing while a former undertrial, who was later released on bail, showers currency notes on him. Investigators are also examining the circumstances under which the former inmate attended the event.

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The latest development comes days after Punjab Police arrested 12 people, including Harbhajan Singh and a jail warden, following an investigation into allegations of narcotics and mobile phones being smuggled into the prison. The probe was initiated after inmate Manpreet Singh alias Manna released a video accusing certain jail officials of forcing him to facilitate drug supply inside the jail.

Hoshiarpur Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Sandeep Malik had earlier said, “The investigation has revealed an organised network that was allegedly supplying mobile phones and narcotic substances inside the jail in exchange for money. The inquiry was initiated after the viral video surfaced.”

He said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SP Major Singh uncovered the alleged involvement of prison officials and individuals operating from both inside and outside the jail.

“The investigation will be taken to its logical conclusion, and no one found involved in the case will be spared,” Malik had said.

Police are continuing to investigate the alleged racket, while the newly surfaced video is also being examined as part of the ongoing probe.