Mangaluru: A fresh clash between two groups of inmates broke out inside the Mangaluru district prison on Wednesday, triggering tense scenes, damage to prison property and the deployment of city police and special forces to restore order. The disturbance occurred during surprise inspections conducted by prison authorities and highlighted ongoing challenges in maintaining discipline and security inside the central jail.
Surprise inspection triggers confrontation
According to official sources, the incident unfolded when Prison Superintendent Sharanabasappa conducted a surprise inspection inside the jail premises. During this inspection, a group of undertrial prisoners allegedly obstructed the superintendent while he was performing his duties. The situation escalated further later in the day when another surprise inspection was carried out to assess compliance and security arrangements.
During the second inspection, inmates from two prison blocks reportedly began shaking iron gates, shouting slogans and attempting to force the gates open. The aggressive behaviour created panic among prison staff and other inmates, leading to chaos inside the jail complex.
Situation spirals out of control
When on-duty prison staff attempted to pacify the inmates and direct them back to their respective barracks, the confrontation intensified. Prison officials stated that the inmates refused to comply with instructions and continued their attempts to damage the iron gates separating the prison blocks.
Fearing a major breach of security and possible injuries, prison authorities immediately alerted the Mangaluru city police. Responding swiftly, senior police officers, personnel from the special task force and local police units rushed to the prison premises.
After sustained efforts and negotiations, the combined force managed to bring the situation under control. Normalcy was gradually restored, and additional security arrangements were put in place to prevent further unrest.
CCTV footage identifies inmates involved
Following the restoration of order, prison authorities reviewed CCTV footage installed across the jail premises to identify those responsible for instigating the disturbance. The footage revealed that inmates from two different blocks were actively involved in the clash.
From ‘A’ block, the inmates identified were Mohiuddin Farad, Sarfaraz, Mohammed Altaf, Imtiyaz, Abdul Naujid, Mohammed Sahil Akram and Mohammed Hanif. From ‘B’ block, those involved included Latesh Jogi, Manjunath, Murugan, Sachin Talapady, Tushar Ameen, Shabarish, Gururaj and Sumanth.
Based on this evidence, a case has been registered against the identified inmates for obstructing public servants in the discharge of their official duties, a serious offence under Indian law.
History of earlier clashes inside the jail
Officials recalled that this was not the first such incident inside the Mangaluru district prison. A similar clash had occurred earlier between two groups of inmates, raising concerns about communal and group-based tensions within the jail.
Following the previous incident, prison authorities had taken corrective measures by housing prisoners belonging to the two communities in separate barracks. Additionally, some inmates were transferred to prisons in other districts to reduce the possibility of further clashes.
Despite these steps, the latest disturbance suggests that underlying tensions continue to pose challenges to prison management.
Mobile phones recovered during jail search
Meanwhile, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal presence of mobile phones inside the prison, authorities conducted a targeted search of certain cells. During the inspection, four mobile phones were recovered from two cells, confirming long-standing concerns about contraband items being smuggled into the jail.
Possession of mobile phones inside prison premises is strictly prohibited, as it can be misused for criminal activities, intimidation of witnesses and coordination with outside networks. In connection with the recovery, a separate complaint has been registered at the Barke police station, and further investigation is underway to identify how the devices entered the jail.
Authorities promise stricter measures
Senior prison and police officials stated that disciplinary action would be taken against those involved in the clash and that security protocols would be reviewed. Additional monitoring, frequent surprise inspections and stricter checks on visitors and staff are expected to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The latest clash has once again drawn attention to overcrowding, security lapses and the need for better inmate management inside district prisons.
Conclusion
The incident at Mangaluru district prison underscores the persistent challenges faced by prison authorities in maintaining order and preventing contraband smuggling. With cases now registered and investigations underway, officials hope that stricter enforcement and improved surveillance will deter future disturbances and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.