Ludhiana jail official suspended over alleged payments for preferential treatment to GST undertrials
The Punjab government has suspended an additional superintendent of Ludhiana Central Jail after a preliminary inquiry found allegations that money was taken for giving preferential treatment to some inmates lodged in connection with GST cases, according to a state government order.
Balvir Singh, Additional Superintendent at Central Jail, Ludhiana, was placed under suspension with immediate effect after the inquiry, the Department of Jails said.
The case began with a complaint received at the headquarters of the Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) in Chandigarh over the alleged “preferential treatment/placement” of certain GST-case undertrials at the Ludhiana jail.
Rajesh Kumar, AIG Headquarters, was deputed to conduct a preliminary inquiry.
“As per the inquiry report submitted by the officer, the allegations regarding payment of money for preferential placement of certain inmates in Central Jail, Ludhiana were levelled against Shri Balvir Singh, Additional Superintendent,” the government order said.
On the basis of the preliminary inquiry, police registered FIR No. 227 on September 11 at Police Station Division No. 7, Ludhiana, naming Singh as an accused.
According to the order, the case was registered under Sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 52-A of the Prisons Act, 1894.
“In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the disciplinary proceedings contemplated against him,” Singh was being placed under suspension with immediate effect, the order said.
During the suspension, Singh will be entitled to subsistence allowance under the applicable rules. His headquarters will remain Chandigarh and he cannot leave the headquarters without prior permission of the competent authority.
The suspension order, dated September 11, was issued by Bhavna Garg, Principal Secretary to the Punjab government, Department of Jails.
The allegations are subject to investigation, and the order does not establish Singh’s guilt.
