Dance performance in Tarn Taran jail sparks row

“As per the guidelines issued by the department, prior permission needs to taken to hold such a function, which was projected as a religious function by the jail authorities. Permission, either from jails department or from district magistrate, was required to hold such a function, which was not taken,” Sharma added.

In the report, Sharma has also noted that the image of the jails department has been “tarnished” by organising such a function.

He added dancers were brought from Fatehgarh Churian in Gurdaspur district for a sum of Rs 13,000 for the function.

Seen in the programme that followed after a religious ceremony was a murder case accused — Sarwan Singh Bhagupur — sitting next to Patti Jail deputy superintendent Davinder Singh Randhawa on a chair. “The undertrial had a back problem, which is why he sat on a chair next to me,” said Randhawa when contacted.

The accused is lodged in Patti jail in connection with the 2013 murder of Congress activist Sukhraj Singh Bhagupur.

“The jail inmates had pooled in money and arranged for the dancers. The jail administration has nothing to do with it,” said Randhawa. “I never knew that any permission was needed to hold such functions.”

“As far as entry of women in jail is concerned, the inspecting judges and doctors visiting jails are women at times. So, saying that women are not allowed in the jail is wrong,” he added.

Meena, while responding to a text message after he did not respond numerous calls made to him in connection with the case, said: “Action will be taken as per law.”

Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal has reportedly sought a report in the matter.

Kaushal did not respond to calls and text messages sent to him.