Punjab BJP MP wants dope tests on jail staff, inmates

A senior BJP leader from Punjab has urged the NHRC to get dope tests conducted on officials posted in jails across the country, especially in the state.

BJP Rajya Sabha member Avinash Rai Khanna on Thursday urged the National Human Rights Commission to pass orders to the state governments to conduct dope test on the staff of jails, as well as inmates to detect drug abuse that has become rampant within various jail premises.

In a representation to the NHRC and Punjab State Human Right Commission (PSHRC), Khanna stated that a large number of youngsters were in the grip of drug addiction.

"This was the world's third largest business after arms and petroleum. The efforts of government and NGOs alone are unable to control this problem," he contended.

Drug abuse is said to be rampant in Punjab, especially in the rural areas.

"Even in Punjab, it was found that four jail wardens from Kapurthala, two from Ferozepur and six ex-servicemen deputed for jail security through PESCO (Punjab Ex-servicemen Corporation) tested positive for drugs. The same could be the position in all jails of the country and hence needs immediate attention," Khanna said in the letter to the NHRC.

He alleged that jail officials were involved in the drugs business, which translated into a dark future for inmates and human rights violation.