A major disturbance inside Kapurthala Jail on Saturday night triggered panic and a large-scale security response after inmates allegedly vandalised prison barracks, damaged infrastructure, and attempted to set parts of the jail on fire following a confrontation that escalated into violence.
According to preliminary information, the incident began around 8.30 pm after an argument involving a detainee inside the prison premises reportedly spiralled into a violent clash between inmates and undertrials lodged in the jail.
As tensions intensified, several prisoners allegedly began attacking prison property and causing destruction inside the facility.
Authorities said portions of the inner walls of Barrack No 4 were damaged during the unrest, while other parts of the prison infrastructure also suffered vandalism.
Police personnel and prison staff deployed inside the jail reportedly came under attack while trying to restore order and control the rapidly escalating situation.
The violence created chaos both inside and outside the prison complex, prompting an immediate emergency response from law enforcement agencies and district authorities.
As the situation deteriorated, at least five to six ambulances were seen stationed outside the jail premises amid fears of injuries during the clash.
However, officials have not yet officially confirmed the exact number of injured persons or whether any inmates or prison staff required hospitalisation following the violence.
Heavy police deployment was immediately rushed to the prison complex to prevent further escalation and stop the disturbance from spreading.
Senior officers from the police and prison administration also reached the spot shortly after the unrest erupted.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kapurthala reportedly arrived at the jail and initiated an urgent investigation into the incident.
Other senior administrative and police officials remained stationed at the prison complex late into the night as authorities worked to restore normalcy and assess the extent of the damage caused during the disturbance.
Later, the DIG of the Jalandhar Range Police stated that the situation had been brought under control.
Following the violence, security arrangements inside and around the jail premises were significantly tightened to prevent any fresh unrest or attempts at escalation.
Authorities were reportedly forced to intervene after inmates allegedly attempted to set a section of the prison on fire during the disturbance.
Meanwhile, videos allegedly recorded from inside the jail surfaced on social media platforms, showing scenes of confusion, shouting, and commotion within the prison compound.
In some of the viral clips, inmates could allegedly be heard accusing prison authorities of using excessive force and even opening fire during the confrontation.
Several prisoners also claimed in the videos that an inmate had been shot during the incident.
However, there has been no official confirmation from police or prison authorities regarding allegations of firing, gunshots, or shooting-related injuries.
Investigators are now examining the authenticity of the viral videos as part of the ongoing probe.
According to preliminary findings, the violence appears to have originated from an altercation involving a detainee, which rapidly escalated after more inmates and undertrials became involved.
Authorities believe the confrontation eventually transformed into a larger coordinated disturbance involving vandalism and attempts to damage prison property.
Police and prison officials have now begun examining CCTV footage, prison records, mobile videos, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine how the unrest escalated so rapidly.
Investigators are also expected to probe allegations made by inmates regarding the alleged use of force by prison authorities during efforts to regain control of the jail.
The incident has once again raised concerns regarding overcrowding, prison management, inmate tensions, and internal security conditions inside correctional facilities in Punjab.
Authorities are expected to release further details after the completion of the preliminary investigation into the violent prison unrest and the allegations emerging from inside the jail complex.
