The Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Karnataka, has launched an inquiry after videos surfaced on Saturday reportedly showing high-risk inmates, including an ISIS recruiter and a convicted rapist-killer, using mobile phones and receiving what appeared to be VIP treatment inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.
"We are investigating how these prisoners obtained mobile phones, who brought the handsets inside the prison, who handed them to the inmates, when the footage was recorded, who circulated it to the media, and so on," said PV Anand Reddy, Additional Inspector General of Prisons, in an official statement.
Among those allegedly spotted operating a phone is Umesh Reddy, a notorious convicted serial rapist. Another video features a suspected ISIS recruiter, sparking serious concerns over external communication capabilities. Telugu actor Tarun, who is implicated in a gold smuggling case, also appears in separate clips.
The footage raised concern over security, prompting authorities to identify those responsible.
Officials stated that immediate corrective steps are planned, and the Chief Superintendent of Central Prison, Bengaluru, has been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against the guilty prisoners and any responsible officers or staff.
Following the reports of preferential treatment being extended to high-profile inmates, Home Minister G Parmeshwara commented: "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 provide clarity, we will conduct a separate investigation. No one, whether a terrorist or anyone else, should have access to a phone."
The Minister further insisted that even if the videos are old, such incidents should never be permitted. He reminded the public that the government has previously suspended officers found guilty in similar situations.
"We have appointed B Dayanand as the head [of the inquiry]. He was on leave yesterday, but I have spoken to him and directed him to investigate and submit a report," he confirmed.
Addressing the situation that has embarrassed the Karnataka government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said: "The DG of Prisons was on leave. The Home Minister has called for a high-level meeting tomorrow. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty. We will ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future."
This jail has been the site of multiple recent controversies, including footage of inmates celebrating birthdays with elaborate cakes. While authorities have repeatedly promised reforms, fresh security breaches continue to emerge.
In a prior case, a notorious rowdy-sheeter named Gubbachi Seena was seen wearing a garland made of apples and cutting a cake. Critics believe these incidents underscore the inadequate vigilance within the facility.
Another video showed an actor conversing casually while holding a cigarette and a coffee mug. Officials are now scrambling to confirm any internal collusion that might have facilitated such unauthorised lax dealings.
Also read: ISIS recruiter, watching TV at Bengaluru jail
Follow us
