RAWALPINDI: Although an inquiry could not prove that edibles brought to Central Jail Adiala for prisoners were being stolen, it has established negligence on the part of the jail’s administration and junior staff and they may face disciplinary action.

A source said the Punjab prison authorities believe that the allegation levelled by Javaid Iqbal, a senior clerk at the prison, regarding the theft of grocery items from the jail to be sold in the open market were untrue and could not be proven by a high-level inquiry.

However, a case against the complainant has been sent to the disciplinary committee and he may face action, in addition to clerks and officers posted at the jail.

“The allegations levelled by the senior clerk could not be proven. However, the tussle between the clerical staff and officers was established during the inquiry,” he said.

Mr Iqbal had said in his complaint that he intercepted a van loaded with rice, ghee and pulses at gate five of the Adiala jail on Oct 22. He alleged that the grocery items were taken out of the jail’s storage room and moved to a private store opposite the gate.

He claimed that the transportation of these items could be seen on CCTV footage, and a video was aired on social media. He alleged that he had faced retaliation from the owner of the private store, who had filed a complaint with local police accusing him of stealing money.

He said that he was followed on his way home by two people in a white car and so he took refuge in the jail colony house. He claimed that two hours later the store owner and two others came to his home and attempted to abduct him.

Inspector General of Punjab Prisons Shahid Saleem Baig ordered an inquiry soon after the incident came to list and tasked Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Naveed Rauf to inquire into the allegations levelled by the clerk.

Sources said the inquiry and CCTV footage did not prove the allegation of theft of grocery items, but established negligence on the part of clerical and senior staff.

Both parties may face disciplinary action, as the inspector general of prisons has sent the case and his recommendations for disciplinary proceedings.

Mr Iqbal has been removed from his post and directed to report to headquarters. Sources said a case of ‘cheating’ will be initiated against him soon.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2018