Mangaluru: A series of disturbances inside the Mangaluru district prison has led to the registration of cases at the Barke police station against several undertrial prisoners accused of assaulting fellow inmates, abusing jail staff, and attempting to disrupt routine operations. The incidents, which occurred on November 29 and December 2, have prompted heightened security measures and a formal investigation into the alleged misconduct.
December 2 confrontation escalates tensions
According to the complaint filed by prison authorities, the latest incident unfolded on December 2 at around 11:35 a.m. when undertrial inmates housed in the “A” block began shouting at the on-duty staff and obstructing them from locking and securing the unit. The situation was brought under control only after intervention by the Superintendent of the District Prison, Sharanabasappa.
Upon receiving an alert from the duty personnel, the Superintendent rushed to the spot, where he reportedly found a group of inmates abusing and threatening prison staff. When he attempted to pacify them and cautioned them against unruly behaviour, Mohammad Asif—lodged in Room No. 4 of the “A” block—allegedly shouted back defiantly, challenging him to “come upstairs if you have the courage.”
Within moments, Asif was joined by four other inmates: Moiyuddin Faraz, Ibrahim Khalil, Nisar Hussain and Mohammad Afeez. Together, they allegedly hurled abuses, issued threats, and obstructed official duties. The complaint notes that their actions created an atmosphere of fear among staff and other inmates.
Earlier incident on November 29 adds to concerns
Prison officials stated that this was not an isolated incident. A similar disruption took place on November 29 at around 4:45 p.m., when inmates from the same block gathered near the Superintendent’s office. Asif was reportedly at the centre of the tension then as well. Witnesses heard him shouting, “Prove whom I have assaulted,” while attempting to provoke other inmates to step out of their block and create disorder.
Quick intervention by prison staff prevented the situation from spiralling. The inmates were immediately dispersed and sent back to their respective cells.
Alleged assault on kitchen workers
A subsequent internal inquiry revealed that Mohammad Asif had allegedly assaulted three inmates working in the prison kitchen—identified as Umesh, Ramesh and Prakash. Officials believe the assault was deliberate and aimed at escalating tensions within the prison environment.
The injured prisoners reportedly informed authorities that Asif had been consistently harassing them and that the physical assault was intended to provoke a larger conflict among the inmates. This revelation has led prison officials to view Asif as a repeat offender and a potential instigator behind both the November 29 and December 2 episodes.
Officials point to pattern of instigation
Prison authorities have expressed concern over a growing pattern of aggressive behaviour among a small group of inmates, allegedly led by Asif. According to officials, he has repeatedly abused staff, obstructed their duties, and attempted to rally other inmates against the administration.
The complaint filed at the Barke police station mentions that the group’s actions were timed to coincide with routine procedures such as block locking, suggesting a deliberate intention to disrupt daily operations. Police have now registered cases under sections related to assault, criminal intimidation and obstruction of public servants.
Investigation underway; security tightened
Following the incidents, security within the prison has been tightened. Additional personnel have been deployed near high-risk blocks, and surveillance is being strengthened to prevent further disturbances.
Officials stated that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, and disciplinary measures within the prison will also be reviewed. The investigation aims to determine whether the incidents were spontaneous acts of defiance or part of a coordinated attempt to destabilise internal operations.
Conclusion
With inquiries ongoing, authorities are focused on restoring normalcy within the prison while ensuring the safety of inmates and staff. The recent disturbances have highlighted the challenges faced by the prison administration in dealing with repeat offenders and maintaining order. Officials affirmed that decisive action will be taken to prevent such disruptions in the future and uphold discipline within the facility.