Doctor arrested for providing inmates with drugs in Ferozepur jail

The doctor, who used to provide drugs to inmates inside jail, was arrested from his residence in Ferozepur city with heroin, 14 lighters, burnt currency notes and foil papers used to consume the drug

: The special task force (STF) of the Punjab police on Thursday arrested a doctor posted at Ferozepur central prison for allegedly facilitating inmates with banned narcotics in the garb of treatment.

Doctor arrested for providing inmates with drugs in Ferozepur jail (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The accused Dr Shashi Bhushan was arrested from his residence in Ferozepur city with heroin, 14 lighters, burnt currency notes and foil papers used to consume the drug.

It was probably the first time that a doctor has been charged with supplying and administering banned drugs on the jail premises.

STF officials said the accused, who himself is a drug addict, has been posted at the prison hospital since November 2021.

STF assistant inspector general of police (AIG) Sandeep Kumar said Bhushan was under watch after the Ludhiana police shared a tip-off about the role of the doctor.

“A few weeks ago, a prisoner from Ferozepur was taken by Ludhiana police for interrogation in a case. During questioning, he revealed Bhushan’s conduct. After that he was put under surveillance and held today with material evidence,” said Kumar.

“Being a doctor, he was probably not subjected to intense physical search before entering the jail at the time of duty. Taking advantage of the practice, Bhushan smuggled in drugs and mobile phones. Initial probe says the accused were provided drugs that were injectable, oral and used through smoke,” the AIG said.