Hookah, birthday parties, luxury cells: Cash-for-comfort racket exposed in Ludhiana Jail

LUDHIANA: The suspension of a senior Central Jail official on the charges of selling luxury-cell assignments underscores a persistent cycle of corruption and systemic misconduct within Punjab's penal system.Additional jail superintendent Balvir Singh was suspended following allegations that he took cash bribes ranging between ₹2 lakh and ₹4 lakh from individuals to place 11 GST-fraud undertrials in superior barracks.The disciplinary action follows an investigation that AIG headquarters Rajesh Kumar had conducted into an official complaint from the prison department.Balvir Singh faces charges under sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 52-A of the Prisons Act.The suspension order reads: "In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the disciplinary proceeding contemplated against him, Balvir Singh is placed under suspension with immediate effect."Superintendent Kulwant Singh Sidhu confirmed the action, stating: "The FIR followed by suspension was done after an inquiry.