A disturbing development has emerged from Kalaburagi district prison, where Zulfikhar Ali, an accused in the Malleswaram cafe blast, is allegedly running a sextortion racket in collaboration with a local rowdy known as Bacchan. Reports indicate that the duo forced a cellmate, identified as Sagar, into a compromising video call with an unknown woman, which they subsequently recorded. They then blackmailed Sagar for ₹50,000, threatening to release the video if he did not comply.
Sagar managed to inform his brother, who alerted the prison authorities. An initial investigation revealed that Zulfikhar and Bacchan had previously recorded similar videos and blackmailed other inmates for money. This incident raises serious concerns about security lapses within the prison system, particularly regarding how the accused accessed a mobile phone while incarcerated.
The situation came to light shortly after Dr. S.D. Sharanappa Dhage, the Police Commissioner, conducted a raid at Kalaburagi Central Jail. This raid was prompted by viral video clips showing inmates enjoying a lavish lifestyle within the prison. An FIR has been filed at Farhatabad Police Station based on suspicions of illegal activities among inmates.
In a concerted effort, Assistant Police Commissioner Kannika Sikrewal led a team of over 50 personnel in a four-hour search of the prison on Monday night. During the raid, officials confiscated two mobile phones, as well as rods, beedi butts, gutkha, and cigarette packets. Although video footage showed inmates Vinod, Sagar, and Sonu using smartphones and having video calls with associates, the investigation team did not find narcotics during the raid.
In light of the scandal, DGP Malini Krishnamurthy made an unexpected visit to the jail, prompted by concerns regarding inmates leading luxurious lives. The Central Jail authorities have denied allegations of providing VIP treatment to prisoners and stated that they are investigating the situation related to the viral video clips.
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