Chaos in Ludhiana Jail: Inmates Attack Officials, Superintendent Knocked Unconscious

LUDHIANA: Violence erupted inside Ludhiana Central Jail on Tuesday evening after prisoners went on a rampage, attacking jail officials and leaving Superintendent Kulwant Singh Sidhu unconscious after he was hit on the head by a brick. He was rushed to hospital, while Jail DSP Jagjeet Singh and several CRPF personnel also sustained injuries.

The situation triggered panic across the city as police vehicles with blaring sirens rushed towards Tajpur Road, where the jail is located, alerting residents that a major incident was unfolding.

According to police, the unrest began with a fistfight between five inmates—two against three—inside the jail premises. When officials intervened to pacify the groups, the situation spiralled out of control instead of settling down.

An officer said the five inmates began creating a ruckus, with one alleging he was being targeted because of his religion. Supporters from both sides gathered, and despite attempts by jail staff to prevent a confrontation, tensions escalated rapidly.

“When the jail superintendent arrived and tried to control the situation, inmates started pelting bricks. One brick struck the superintendent on the head, causing him to collapse. Several other personnel were also injured in the brick-batting,” the officer said.

Police said the inmates picked up bricks from the garden beds in the open area of the jail.

As violence intensified, jail authorities sounded the siren and sought immediate police reinforcements. Police teams, led by Ludhiana Commissioner Swapan Sharma and other senior officers, rushed to the spot and helped restore order by pushing inmates back into their barracks.

The incident revived memories of June 2019, when police had fired over 150 rounds to control violent clashes that had broken out inside the jail barracks. (Agencies)