Punjab Probes Officer Harassment at Ludhiana Jail

An official inquiry by the Punjab government into harassment allegations against the Ludhiana Central Jail superintendent has revealed deep-seated issues between jail management and medical personnel.

Four medical officers accused superintendent Kulwant Singh of misbehavior and using offensive language. In response, the principal secretary, jails, issued a strong caution to Singh, emphasizing the need for courtesy towards all staff and inmates. The inquiry also noted the superintendent's admission that his language could be rough, regretting any offense.

Medical officers detailed grievances, including a derogatory response to a critical inmate case and a prevailing fear of "false implication." Concerns were also raised about interference in clinical decisions. The superintendent countered by presenting attendance records, alleging doctors kept short hours and frequently referred patients out.

Structural deficiencies at the jail, including limited telemedicine access, were also highlighted. The government stressed the urgency of strengthening healthcare provisions for the nearly 4,500 inmates, especially after 10 inmate deaths were recorded between July 2025 and April 2026.