Inmates clash in Punjab's Kapurthala jail, vandalise barracks, trigger fire scare

A violent disturbance inside Kapurthala Jail spiralled into vandalism, fire attempts and allegations of firing by prison authorities, prompting a heavy police response and an urgent investigation into the prison unrest.

In Short

• Violence erupted in Kapurthala Jail after inmate argument escalated
• Inmates vandalised barracks and damaged inner walls
• Videos claim jail authorities opened fire, no official confirmation

A major disturbance inside Punjab’s Kapurthala Jail on Saturday night triggered panic after inmates allegedly vandalised barracks, damaged prison infrastructure and attempted to set parts of the jail on fire following a confrontation that spiralled into violence.

The incident took place around 8.30 pm, following an argument involving a detainee that reportedly escalated into a clash between inmates and undertrials inside the prison premises.

During the unrest, prison property was allegedly damaged and portions of the inner walls of Barrack No 4 were broken.

Police personnel deployed inside the jail were also reportedly attacked while attempting to bring the situation under control.

AMBULANCES RUSHED TO JAIL

As chaos unfolded inside the prison complex, at least five to six ambulances were seen stationed outside the jail premises.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people injured or whether any inmates required hospitalisation.

Heavy police deployment was made around the jail as senior officers rushed to the spot to monitor the situation.

SENIOR OFFICIALS ON SPOT

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, reached the jail shortly after the violence erupted and launched an investigation into the incident.

Other senior police and administrative officers also remained at the prison premises late into the night as efforts continued to restore normalcy.

The DIG of the Jalandhar Range later said the situation was under control.

Security arrangements in and around the jail were tightened to prevent further escalation.

FIRE ATTEMPT, VIDEOS EMERGE FROM INSIDE JAIL

Authorities were forced to act after inmates allegedly tried to set a section of the prison on fire during the violence.

Videos purportedly recorded from inside the jail surfaced on social media, showing scenes of chaos and commotion inside the prison compound.

In the videos, inmates can allegedly be heard accusing prison authorities of using force and opening fire during the unrest.

Some prisoners also claimed that an inmate had been shot, although there was no official confirmation regarding any firing or injuries.

ARGUMENT ESCALATED INTO VIOLENT CLASH

Preliminary information suggests the unrest began after an altercation involving a detainee inside the prison.

The confrontation reportedly escalated rapidly, drawing in several inmates and undertrials before turning violent.

Authorities are now examining CCTV footage, prison records and videos from the scene as part of the investigation into the disturbance and the allegations surrounding the incident.

- Ends