Malini Krishnamurthy, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Prisons and Correctional Services, has initiated a high-level investigation after a video allegedly surfaced on social media, purportedly showing inmates at Kalaburagi Central Jail making video calls using smartphones.
The ADGP has mandated a preliminary inquiry to be completed within ten days and cautioned that severe repercussions await any prison staff found involved in facilitating the unlawful use of mobile devices. During her inspection on Tuesday, Krishnamurthy criticized the prison authorities, referencing a previous incident involving an inmate named Darshan, and questioned how inmates continued to make video calls despite past issues.
Accompanied by Kalaburagi police commissioner SD Sharanappa, Krishnamurthy met with the newly appointed jail superintendent, R. Anita, to discuss security shortcomings. The meeting aimed to implement stricter measures to prevent future infractions. Additionally, the prison authorities have opted to upgrade from 2G to 5G jammers to more effectively hinder unauthorized communications.
While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, authorities have registered cases against several inmates based on its content. Those charged include Sagar Shivappa, Sunil Devdas, and under-trial detainees Vishal, Zulfikar, and Jameer, facing charges under relevant sections of the Karnataka Prisoners Act, 2022.
This scrutiny follows prior incidents where Darshan was seen violating prison regulations, leading to the suspension of nine officials from Parappana Agrahara jail.
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