Bengaluru
The Karnataka government has launched an investigation into security lapses at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail after videos surfaced showing high-risk inmates using mobile phones and receiving what appeared to be VIP treatment. The footage reportedly includes a convicted rapist-killer, ISIS recruiter, and Telugu actor Tarun.
The Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services conducted an initial inquiry after the videos went public on Saturday. Additional Inspector General of Prisons, P.V. Anand Reddy, said the probe aims to determine how the inmates obtained phones, who provided them, when the footage was recorded, and who circulated it in the media.
Among those seen in the clips is Umesh Reddy, a notorious convicted serial rapist, allegedly operating a mobile phone. A suspected ISIS recruiter was also captured on video, raising fears about external communication and security breaches. Tarun, involved in a separate gold smuggling case, appeared in other clips. Officials suspect insider involvement in allowing these unauthorised privileges.
Home Minister G. Parmeshwara condemned the lapses, saying, “Such things cannot be tolerated. If this continues, it cannot be called a jail anymore. No one, whether a terrorist or anyone else, should have access to a phone.” He directed a report and warned of further investigation if the findings are unsatisfactory. B Dayanand has been appointed to head the probe.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured strict action against all guilty parties, emphasizing that incidents like these must not recur. The jail has faced multiple controversies in the past, including inmates celebrating birthdays with elaborate cakes and a rowdy-sheeter wearing an apple garland, reflecting ongoing vigilance and internal control issues.
