Videos of high-risk inmates using phones and watching TV at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara jail have triggered a probe into serious security lapses and preferential treatment.
Allegations of major security lapses and preferential treatment have surfaced at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail after videos showed notorious inmates using mobile phones and watching television inside the facility.
Among those seen using mobile phones inside the high-security prison are Telugu actor Tarun, a co-accused in the sensational gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao; Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, a notorious recruiter for the terror group ISIS; and serial rapist and killer Umesh Reddy, who was also caught watching television inside his cell.
It has also been alleged that Shakeel Manna was in contact with his associates outside the jail.
After the undated videos, which recently surfaced on social media, triggered serious security concerns, the prison authorities said on Saturday that an internal inquiry has been launched to verify the authenticity of the footage and identify those responsible.
“Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” sources told news agency PTI.
This is not the first time the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, which houses several high-risk inmates, has faced scrutiny. In October, a video showing a notorious rowdy-sheeter, Srinivas, also known as Gubbachi Seena, celebrating his birthday behind bars went viral.
Accused in a murder case, Srinivas was seen cutting a cake and wearing an apple garland, surrounded by fellow inmates. Videos and photos of the celebration, reportedly recorded on mobile phones and later shared on social media, once again raised serious questions about security, oversight, and accountability within the prison system.
Last year, a photograph emerged showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, currently lodged in prison in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, receiving VIP treatment inside the jail. Darshan was seen seated on a chair, holding a cigarette and a coffee mug, while chatting with fellow inmates, including history-sheeter Wilson Garden Naga.
HOME MINISTER PROMISES ACTION
Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara said such violations cannot be tolerated and confirmed that he has already sought a detailed report on the matter. He added that a high-level meeting will soon be convened to address the serious issue.
“Such things cannot be tolerated. If this continues, it cannot be called a jail anymore. I will call a meeting of senior police officers and take this issue seriously. I have asked for a report, and if it is not satisfactory, I will form another committee. If the police report fails to bring clarity, we will conduct a separate investigation. No one, whether a terrorist or anyone else, should have access to a phone.
