Drug traffickers should not expect any mercy: Jail min Bhullar

Patiala: Punjab jail and transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Tuesday said gangsters and smugglers were a legacy of previous regimes, but the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led govt initiated decisive steps to eliminate them. "Those who harm innocent people and engage in drug trafficking should not expect any mercy," he said.Bhullar made these remarks while addressing the passing-out parade of warders and matrons at the Punjab Jail Training School in Patiala. Additional director general of police (ADGP, jails) Arunpal Singh and principal secretary-cum-inspector general (prisons) Muhammad Tayyab were also present.
Highlighting prison reforms, the minister said modern training modules equipped jail staff to handle weapons, manage high-risk inmates, address overcrowding, and comply with court and departmental guidelines. He said advanced training would help personnel tackle emerging challenges effectively and praised the trainees for their discipline and commitment.Reaffirming the govt's focus on a "drug-free and gangster-free Punjab," Bhullar said a high-security jail in Ludhiana would become operational by year-end to monitor high-profile gangsters and smugglers. He said prisons were being strengthened with AI-based CCTV cameras, full-body scanners, sniffer dogs, metal detectors and 5G-enabled jammers to curb smuggling and enhance security. He also dismissed allegations of negligence, saying inmate safety remained the department's responsibility.During the ceremony, principal Mukesh Sharma presented the training report. Outstanding trainees were honoured, and nine beneficiaries received appointment letters on compassionate grounds. Demonstrations of weapon handling and cultural performances marked the event.Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics concludesLater, Bhullar attended the prize distribution ceremony of the Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics-2026, which concluded at Patiala Central Jail. Calling upon inmates to reform, he said, "Criminals are always punished, but you can shape your future through good deeds." He urged inmates to correct past mistakes and reintegrate into society with dignity.Inmates from Patiala Zone emerged overall champions, while Faridkot and Kapurthala Zones secured second and third positions, respectively. Competitions included tug of war, kabaddi, volleyball, badminton, chess, painting, athletics, long jump and shot put. Female inmates actively participated in sports and cultural events, including giddha, while male inmates performed bhangra.Bhullar said the state govt introduced sports initiatives in prisons to promote discipline, camaraderie and positive thinking among inmates. He also said petrol pumps would be opened outside jails to provide employment opportunities to well-behaved inmates as part of rehabilitation efforts.The minister said he hoped such initiatives would help inmates become self-reliant and return to mainstream society after their release. The next edition of the Prison Olympics will be hosted at Kapurthala Jail. MSID:: 128209878 413 |