Bengaluru: Twenty-three undertrial prisoners lodged in Ramanagara prison, Bengaluru South district, were booked for creating a ruckus inside the facility on Thursday evening. The incident occurred during visiting hours around 5:30 pm near the D gate and involved members of two separate gangs.
Clash during visiting hour
According to prison officials, the leaders of the two gangs went to check if they had visitors and got into a verbal altercation, which escalated into a larger clash. The prisoners allegedly argued with and obstructed jail officials who tried to control the situation.
Rakesha Kambale, Superintendent of Ramanagara Prison, filed a complaint at the Ramanagara Town police station on Friday. Around nine jail staff intervened and managed to stop the prisoners, sending them back to their cells.
Key accused and prison actions
T Devaraju and Harsha alias Kaima were reportedly the first to initiate the argument. Five of the prisoners involved have been shifted to Mandya jail, while authorities await instructions from higher-ups regarding further transfers.
No prisoners were injured during the clash, although prison officials sustained minor injuries after being pushed by the accused. Authorities confirmed that the disruption was limited to verbal arguments and did not escalate to physical violence among inmates.
Case registered
A case has been registered under Section 132 of the Bangalore Nagarasu (BNS) law for assault or criminal force to deter public servants from the discharge of their duty. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any further action or transfers are necessary.
Context on gang rivalries and prison challenges
Gang rivalries in jails have long been a concern in Karnataka. Rival inmate groups often attempt to assert dominance during visiting hours, when large numbers of prisoners gather outside their cells. In some cases, such clashes have resulted in injuries to both inmates and jail staff. Authorities have stressed the importance of monitoring high-risk inmates and separating known rivals to prevent escalation.
Ramanagara prison, which houses undertrial and convicted prisoners from Bengaluru South and surrounding districts, has implemented strict security protocols during visiting hours. Measures include staggered visit timings, increased supervision by wardens, and monitoring through CCTV cameras to ensure that rival groups do not come into direct contact. Despite these precautions, occasional verbal and physical altercations still occur, highlighting the challenges of managing large inmate populations.
Safety measures and preventive steps
Following the incident, prison authorities reviewed their visitor protocols and reinforced the presence of security personnel near high-risk areas. Officials said they are considering additional measures such as separating gang leaders, conducting counselling sessions, and increasing staff training to manage tense situations effectively.
Conclusion
The clash at Ramanagara jail underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining order within prisons, especially when rival inmate groups are involved. While swift action by prison staff prevented serious injuries, the incident highlights the need for constant vigilance, improved security measures, and proactive management strategies to ensure the safety of both prisoners and staff.