Allegations of serious security lapses and VIP treatment at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail have resurfaced after multiple videos showing high-profile inmates using mobile phones and watching television inside the prison went viral on social media.
The controversy, which has sparked public anger and political response, has prompted the Karnataka government to order a high-level investigation into what Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called “a serious failure in prison management.”
Videos show notorious inmates using mobile phones
The undated videos feature several infamous inmates, including:
- Telugu actor Tarun, co-accused in the gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao,
- Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, an alleged ISIS recruiter, and
- Umesh Reddy, a convicted serial rapist and killer, seen watching television inside his cell.
The footage, reportedly filmed within the high-security section of the prison, quickly went viral, raising urgent questions over how inmates accessed electronic devices that are strictly prohibited under jail regulations.
Prison authorities have launched an internal inquiry to verify the authenticity of the videos and identify those responsible for smuggling in the gadgets.
“An investigation is underway, and action will be taken based on the findings,” sources in the prison department told PTI.
Pattern of recurring violations
This is not the first time Parappana Agrahara Central Jail has come under the scanner. Over the past year, several incidents have revealed repeated security breaches and preferential treatment for influential inmates.
In October, a video of notorious rowdy-sheeter Srinivas, popularly known as Gubbachi Seena, celebrating his birthday inside the jail went viral. The footage showed Seena cutting a cake, wearing an apple garland, and posing for photos surrounded by other inmates — all reportedly captured on mobile phones smuggled into the facility.
Similarly, last year, photographs emerged showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, receiving special privileges inside the prison. The images showed Darshan seated comfortably on a chair, holding a cigarette and a coffee mug, and chatting casually with history-sheeter Wilson Garden Naga.
These repeated lapses have raised concerns about systemic corruption, weak oversight, and collusion between prison staff and inmates.
Government orders probe; CM calls for accountability
Responding to the uproar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a high-level meeting has been called to review the situation and ensure accountability.
“The Director General of Prisons was on leave at the time. The Home Minister has called for a meeting tomorrow. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty. We will ensure such incidents do not recur,” Siddaramaiah said.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged that the integrity of the state’s prison system has been repeatedly questioned and assured that corrective measures would be implemented urgently.
Home Minister Parmeshwara promises strict action
Home Minister G. Parmeshwara echoed the CM’s concerns, stating that “such violations cannot be tolerated.”
“If this continues, it cannot be called a jail anymore,” he said, expressing outrage over inmates’ access to mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Parmeshwar confirmed he had sought a detailed report from the Director General of Police (Prisons) and warned that if the initial inquiry was unsatisfactory, a special committee would be constituted to investigate independently.
“No one — whether a terrorist or anyone else — should have access to a mobile phone inside prison. In earlier cases too, we suspended officers and took disciplinary action. The same will be done now,” the minister said.
He confirmed that senior IPS officer B. Dayanand, head of the prison department, has been directed to conduct a full probe and submit a report at the earliest.
“Even if the videos are old, such incidents should never have taken place,” Parmeshwara emphasised.
Parappana Agrahara under repeated fire
Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, Karnataka’s largest and most high-profile prison, houses several notorious convicts and undertrials, including politicians, actors, and organised crime figures. Despite repeated reforms and staff reshuffles, it continues to be dogged by scandals involving contraband, corruption, and inmate privileges.
Past government audits have revealed glaring lapses in the control of electronic items and security checks, often linked to insufficient manpower and internal collusion.
Former prison officials have acknowledged that mobile phones and money routinely make their way inside through corrupt warders and visitors, despite strict security screening at the gates.
Human rights groups and anti-corruption activists have also called for an independent audit of Karnataka’s prison management system, arguing that temporary suspensions and departmental probes have failed to deter repeat offences.
Public anger and calls for reform
The recurring scandals have fuelled public anger, with many citizens taking to social media to demand that the government overhaul the jail’s security apparatus.
“Every few months, videos emerge showing the same jail plagued by the same problems — it’s a reflection of how deep-rooted the rot is,” said Praveen D’Souza, a civic activist from Bengaluru.
Analysts say the controversy once again underscores the urgent need for prison reform, including staff accountability, technology upgrades, and external oversight by independent judicial bodies.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are now on how the Siddaramaiah government handles the crisis — a test of both administrative resolve and political credibility.