KAPURTHALA — A tense standoff at the Kapurthala Central Jail was brought to a close early Sunday morning after security forces intervened to quell a violent clash between rival groups of undertrial prisoners.
The incident, which saw inmates scaling rooftops and setting small fires, triggered a massive mobilization of district police and senior administrative officials.
The Escalation
The chaos began late Saturday night in the vicinity of the jail’s barracks. What started as a dispute between two groups of undertrials quickly spiralled out of control. Witnesses outside the prison facility reported hearing prolonged shouting and commotion from within the walls, which persisted for several hours as the situation grew volatile.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the intensity of the scene: inmates were seen perched atop the jail rooftops, holding makeshift burning torches, while visible injuries among the participants underscored the severity of the altercation.
Official Response and Intervention
Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) confirmed the incident, stating that the violence was contained following a coordinated effort by the jail administration and local law enforcement.
“We were alerted to a clash between two groups inside the jail,” the SSP stated. “Security personnel immediately launched an operation to bring the situation under control. While there was evidence of arson, we have effectively stabilized the premises.”
Reports from the scene indicate that multiple police and civil administration vehicles arrived throughout the night, with at least three to four ambulances deployed to provide emergency medical support.
Status of Inmates and Investigation
According to initial police reports, four to five individuals sustained injuries during the fracas. However, the exact count of those hospitalized remains unconfirmed, and officials have yet to release a definitive list of the injured or a breakdown of the severity of their wounds.
A high-level team, including officers from the Range and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level, arrived at the facility to oversee the situation and monitor the security deployment.
As of Sunday morning, the jail remains under heavy security. The district administration has launched an internal probe to determine the root cause of the conflict and to investigate how inmates were able to gain access to the roof and ignite fires. Officials have assured the public that the situation is currently under control and that no further breaches have occurred.
Authorities continue to monitor the facility, and further updates are expected as the investigation into the security lapse proceeds.
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