Following the recent scuffle between senior journalist Kanwar Sandhu and Balwant Singh Rajoana, A high-level probe team today visited the Patiala Central Jail to inquire into alleged lapses that led to the meeting between senior journalist Kanwar Sandhu was able to meet Balwant Singh Rajoana.
These officials conducting proble are additional chief secretary (home) Jagpal Singh, additional director general of police (ADGP) (prisons) Rajpal Meena and deputy inspector general of police (prisons) Lakhwinder Singh Jakhar.
Two separate inquiries have been initiated in the case — one is being conducted by the jail department and is headed by Jakhar, whereas the other is being conducted by Jagpal Singh on the chief minister’s directions.
The officials remained in jail for two hours and gathered information about the incident. They inspected the spot where the scuffle took place. A senior police official said the additional home secretary and ADGP talked to jail officials.
The team is expected to present its report to the government in a few days. Jail officials were reportedly given a dressing down by Additional DGP (Prisons) Rajpal Meena for the lapses.
Rajoana had manhandled Sandhu, who had visited the jail with controversial dismissed cop Gurmeet Singh Pinky. Later, the prisons department suspended assistant jail superintendent Jagmel Singh and official Mani Singh for facilitating the meeting.
On Sunday, the CM directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to probe the case. The CM also asked Jagpal Singh to submit a report at the earliest.