Chandigarh (Sandeep Singh Chahal)— A violent clash between rival inmate groups inside Kapurthala’s Modern Jail has triggered a massive political uproar in Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) senior leader and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, claiming that the state’s prisons have transformed from correction centres into “battlegrounds for criminals.” The incident, which allegedly occurred on Saturday night, has raised serious questions about the collapse of administrative control in high-security facilities.
According to reports highlighted by Majithia, the violence spiralled out of control when inmates successfully breached the walls of Barrack Number 4. The rioting prisoners reportedly vandalised prison property and attempted to set portions of the facility on fire, creating an atmosphere of panic among jail staff and local police personnel. The confrontation escalated further when security forces attempted to intervene. Inmates allegedly turned on the police, launching direct attacks against the personnel trying to restore order. Videos emerging from the jail suggest that Punjab’s prisons are no longer under the control of the administration, but are instead being dominated by gangs, Majithia stated, pointing to alarming allegations that firearms were also discharged by prisoners during the rioting.
Aiming at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s campaign promise of building a prosperous, vibrant state, the Akali leader questioned the ground reality of governance in Punjab. He asked if this is the “Rangla Punjab” the government promised—a state where jails witness violence and arson, gangsters roam freely on the streets, and the government remains busy making headlines and delivering statements before cameras. The opposition leader cited a broader pattern of deteriorating security metrics across the state, pointing toward repeated explosions, escalating gang wars, and recurring prison riots as definitive proof of a systemic law-and-order failure.
In light of the security breach, the Shiromani Akali Dal has demanded immediate accountability at the highest levels of the state government. Majithia explicitly called for the resignations of both Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the temporary Director General of Police (DGP) for Punjab, labeling their handling of the state’s security apparatus as entirely incompetent. He warned that when prison walls begin to crumble and the government continues to remain silent, it is a clear sign that Punjab is being pushed towards chaos and anarchy. State authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the exact number of casualties or the measures being implemented to secure the Kapurthala facility following the riot.Yes, exactly! That image is custom-made to be the main visual header (the Featured Image) for your article.
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