Kalaburagi has come under scrutiny following a disturbing incident at the Central Prison, where inmates were discovered using smartphones to make video calls. In response, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Prisons and Correctional Services, Malini Krishnamurthy, conducted an inspection of the facility on Tuesday to address the issue directly.
During her visit, Krishnamurthy expressed her dismay at the lax security measures that allowed such activities to occur, rebuking prison officials for failing to learn from previous incidents, specifically referencing the notorious Darshan incident at Parappana Agrahara. She pointedly asked, “Haven’t you learned anything from the Darshan incident? What does it mean when prisoners are able to make video calls?” This statement underscores her commitment to ensuring that prison protocols are strictly followed.
Accompanied by Police Commissioner Sharanappa S.D., Krishnamurthy held discussions with the prison superintendent to assess the situation. Following the inspection, she announced to the media that a preliminary investigation into the video call incident has been ordered, with a report expected within ten days. Krishnamurthy warned that action would be taken against any officials found complicit in allowing the breach of protocol.
In her remarks, Krishnamurthy highlighted the recent appointment of R. Anita as the Chief Superintendent of the jail. She instructed that security measures and inspections be tightened immediately. One significant change announced is the replacement of the existing 2G jammer with a more effective 5G jammer, aimed at preventing unauthorized communications from within the prison.
Addressing the broader context of prison management, Krishnamurthy acknowledged the challenges posed by staffing shortages. “There are 54 prisons in the state, and we face a shortage of staff for supervision,” she stated. Each Deputy Inspector General (DIG) is responsible for overseeing 26 to 28 prisons, which places significant strain on the system. To mitigate these issues, she confirmed that a proposal has been submitted to the government seeking an increase in staff numbers, improved supervision, and enhanced training for prison personnel.
In light of the smartphone incident, a case has been registered at the Farahatabad Police Station against several inmates, including Sagar Shivappa, Sunil Devadas, Nagesh Karabasappa, and undertrial prisoners Vishal, Zulfiqar, Jameer, and others. This legal action signifies the seriousness of the matter and reflects the authorities’ commitment to addressing breaches of security in correctional facilities.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight will remain on Kalaburagi Central Prison and its management, with stakeholders keenly watching how the situation is handled. The measures taken in response to this incident will be pivotal in restoring public confidence in the prison system and ensuring that inmates do not have access to contraband communication devices.
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