Sukhbir's commitment boosted my mission: DGP (Prisons)

After SAD supremo Sukhbir Badal's commitment to make state free from the menace of drugs, DGP (Prisons) Shashi Kant's campaign against the drug-mafia got a shot in the arm. Shashi Kant was on a visit to modern jail here today

After SAD supremo Sukhbir Badal's commitment to make state free from the menace of drugs, DGP (Prisons) Shashi Kant's campaign against the drug-mafia got a shot in the arm. Shashi Kant was on a visit to modern jail here on Tuesday to inaugurate the canteen and to encourage the inhabitants participating in different sporting events.

"The commitment to eradicate drug menace from the state and its prisons, shown by Sukhbir Badal after winning the assembly elections has vindicated my stand against drug-mafia and encouraged me to fight with more vigour and zeal," he said.

He added, "It has also considerably decreased the number of threat calls to me from the mafia to give up my drive."

Talking on drug-smuggling in the prisons of Punjab, the DGP revealed that a plan had been contemplated to install sniffer machines in all modern jails of the state to detect/curb drug-peddling.

"Each machine costs nearly a crore rupees and a proposal will be presented for clearance as soon as the new government takes on. We will also deploy sniffer dogs, specially trained to detect drugs, and hopefully within few weeks the machines would be installed," DGP added.

The DGP further said that directions are being issued to jail staff, from warden to DGP, not to use cell phones within jail premises to stop its misuse by the inmates. "All the staff members would be equipped with walkie-talkies for smooth functioning," he said.

DGP also revealed that a property worth nearly 30 crores was ravaged in the riots in Kapurthala modern jail. "A renovation project along with a request to release the grant will also be submitted to the government very soon," he said.

On the provision of family quarters for the prisoners in every jail the DGP said, "It is not mentioned in jail manual. It was implemented in Kapurthala on experimental basis. Though it has given fruitful results as the prisoners became more sociable, it will only be fully implemented if the government approves the recommendations of committee for prison reforms headed by Justice Amar Dutt."

DGP also revealed that cases of 1405 inmates, who have applied for release on parole, would be put up for approval before the government very soon.

DGP, who was to inaugurate the new canteen for inmates, out of courtesy asked the senior most journalist present to inaugurate the canteen on his behalf. Several sports events were organised for prisoners at the event, which saw huge participation.