Bengaluru: An undertrial lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison allegedly operated a criminal network from inside the jail using a mobile phone and conspired with associates to launch a fatal attack on a rival gang, according to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) investigation. The revelations have raised fresh concerns over unauthorised mobile phone use and security inside the Parappana Agrahara prison.
The case came to light when the Organised Crime Wing of the CCB was gathering information on rowdy elements operating within the KG Halli police station limits. During the investigation, police reportedly uncovered links between a rowdy-sheeter outside the prison and an inmate who was allegedly coordinating criminal activities from inside the jail.
Investigation begins with rowdy-sheeter
According to police, the investigation initially focused on 24-year-old Syed Maaz, a rowdy-sheeter who had been released on bail.
Police reportedly found that Maaz had been absconding and failing to appear before a court in connection with several cases. Investigators also allegedly learnt that he was carrying a machete and other unlawful weapons and was creating fear among members of the public.
The police investigation further indicated that Maaz was allegedly preparing to carry out a fatal attack on members of a rival gang.
An FIR was registered against him under the Arms Act and provisions relating to criminal conspiracy, according to the report.
The questioning of Maaz subsequently led investigators to an inmate inside Bengaluru Central Prison.
Inmate allegedly coordinated activities from jail
Police identified the inmate as Mehraj Khan, who is currently in judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara.
According to a police officer quoted by The New Indian Express, investigators found that Khan was allegedly working with Maaz and another associate, identified as Afghan, to plan a fatal attack on a rival gang.
Despite being in judicial custody, Khan allegedly remained in communication with his associates through WhatsApp and Instagram.
Investigators reportedly suspect that he used these communication channels to direct activities outside the prison. These allegedly included gathering information about members of a rival gang, procuring and storing weapons and carrying out other criminal activities.
Police also alleged that Khan made payments to Maaz as part of the network’s activities.
The allegations have raised questions about how an inmate in a high-security prison was allegedly able to access a mobile phone and maintain regular communication with people outside.
Third accused arrested
The investigation also led police to another associate, identified as Afghan.
According to the report, police arrested Afghan on August 31. During interrogation, he allegedly told investigators that Mehraj Khan had been communicating with the group from inside Bengaluru Central Prison.
The information provided during the investigation reportedly helped police establish the alleged communication link between the prison inmate and the people operating outside.
The police investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the network and the activities allegedly coordinated by Khan.
Property disputes also under scanner
The investigation has reportedly uncovered another alleged aspect of the network.
According to the police officer quoted by The New Indian Express, investigators found that the accused were collecting information about property disputes in Bengaluru.
Police suspect that the group was planning to take control of disputed real estate properties after receiving money from people involved in those disputes.
The allegations suggest that the suspected network may have been involved in activities extending beyond gang rivalry and planned violence.
However, these are allegations emerging from an ongoing police investigation and have not been established by a court.
Concerns over mobile phone use in prison
The case has also highlighted the continuing challenge of preventing unauthorised mobile phones and digital communication devices from reaching inmates.
Prisons are designed to restrict communication between inmates and the outside world, particularly in cases involving organised crime and violent offences. The alleged use of WhatsApp and Instagram by an inmate to coordinate activities outside the prison raises questions about security checks and monitoring mechanisms.
The issue becomes particularly significant when an inmate is accused of directing associates outside the prison rather than simply communicating with family members or legal representatives.
The investigation could therefore lead authorities to examine how the alleged mobile phone was obtained, whether others assisted the inmate in maintaining access to it and whether any prison personnel were involved.
No such involvement by prison staff has been established in the report.
Rival gang attack allegedly planned
At the centre of the case is the alleged plan to carry out a fatal attack on a rival gang.
Police reportedly believe that Khan, Maaz and Afghan were working together towards this objective. Investigators also learnt that Maaz allegedly possessed a machete and other unlawful weapons.
The case demonstrates how rival gang disputes can potentially continue even when one of the alleged organisers is behind bars.
For investigators, establishing the chain of communication, identifying the intended targets and determining whether weapons were procured specifically for the alleged attack will be important aspects of the continuing probe.
Investigation continues
The CCB’s Organised Crime Wing is continuing its investigation into the alleged network, its members and its activities.
The case began with police efforts to gather intelligence on rowdy elements in the KG Halli area but subsequently led investigators to an alleged criminal operation being coordinated from inside Bengaluru Central Prison.
The allegations against Mehraj Khan, Syed Maaz and Afghan remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. Being accused or arrested does not by itself establish guilt, and the allegations will ultimately have to be tested before the court.
For Bengaluru authorities, however, the case has already highlighted a serious security concern: the possibility that an inmate facing criminal proceedings could allegedly use unauthorised digital communication to coordinate activities outside prison.
The findings of the continuing investigation are expected to determine the scale of the alleged network, the source of the mobile phone and whether additional people were involved.