Bengaluru: Former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, was allegedly found in possession of a mobile phone inside Bengaluru’s central prison on Tuesday, raising fresh questions over security and alleged preferential treatment for high-profile inmates.
According to well-placed sources, the discovery was made during a surprise inspection of the Parappana Agrahara prison complex by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Tuesday afternoon.
Mobile phone found during surprise inspection
Two senior sources said Revanna was found in possession of the prohibited device during the inspection.
The make or model of the phone was not immediately known. Police officials said a formal complaint was expected to be filed at the jurisdictional Parappana Agrahara police station.
“We are awaiting a formal complaint. Further action will be initiated,” a senior police officer said.
The officer described the discovery as concerning, particularly because Revanna is a high-profile convict in a high-security prison. Investigators are expected to examine how the mobile phone reached him and whether anyone assisted him in obtaining the prohibited device.
Fresh questions over VIP treatment
The development has once again brought attention to allegations of preferential treatment inside Karnataka’s largest prison complex.
The Parappana Agrahara central prison has previously faced allegations that inmates with money and influence receive special treatment. The latest discovery is likely to trigger further scrutiny of security arrangements and access to prohibited devices within the facility.
Revanna serving life sentence
Revanna, 36, represented the Hassan parliamentary constituency from 2019 to 2023. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to life imprisonment in August 2025.
The case came to national attention after videos allegedly showing Revanna sexually assaulting several women surfaced shortly before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Following the controversy, the Karnataka Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations.
Police are now expected to investigate the circumstances in which Revanna allegedly obtained and used a mobile phone inside prison and whether any prison personnel or other individuals were involved.