Mangaluru: A case has been registered at the Barke Police Station in Mangaluru against several undertrial prisoners for allegedly creating a disturbance, threatening prison officials and damaging government property at the District Prison in the city.
The complaint was filed by prison superintendent Sharana Basappa, who reported that the incident involved multiple inmates and occurred within the prison premises. Police have launched an investigation into the matter after registering the case based on the complaint.
Officials said the incident raised concerns over discipline and security inside the prison, prompting authorities to initiate legal action against the accused inmates.
Dispute over shifting inmates
According to the complaint, the confrontation began when an undertrial prisoner identified as Mohammed Iqbal allegedly entered the office of the prison superintendent and demanded that newly admitted inmates be shifted to his cell as per his instructions.
Prison officials reportedly refused the demand, stating that the allocation of cells is carried out strictly according to prison regulations and administrative decisions.
Following the refusal, Mohammed Iqbal allegedly became aggressive and began shouting at prison officials. He is accused of using abusive language and threatening the superintendent during the argument.
Attempted assault on prison officials
The complaint further stated that despite attempts by prison staff to calm the situation, the accused continued to behave aggressively.
Mohammed Iqbal allegedly attempted to assault the prison superintendent during the confrontation. Officials said staff members present at the location intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.
During the incident, another undertrial prisoner identified as Mohammed Afreed allegedly joined Iqbal and began supporting him during the confrontation.
Authorities stated that both inmates allegedly abused prison staff and attempted to attack them using a plastic chair available within the prison premises.
Damage to government property
In addition to threatening prison officials, the accused inmates are also alleged to have caused damage to government property inside the prison.
According to the complaint, they reportedly damaged an RO water filter and the pipes connected to it during the disturbance. Prison authorities estimated the financial loss caused by the damage to be around ₹12,000.
Officials noted that damaging government property inside a correctional facility is treated as a serious offence and can attract additional charges.
Another inmate accused of instigating violence
In a related development, another inmate identified as Shehraj, also known as Shahrukh, has been accused of instigating the violence.
According to prison authorities, Shehraj allegedly provoked the other inmates from inside Cell No. 3 of Block ‘A’ of the prison.
He reportedly set fire to bedding materials within the cell and broke carrom boards kept inside the prison. The complaint states that he then handed over the broken pieces to the other accused inmates and allegedly encouraged them to attack prison staff.
Officials said the actions of the accused allegedly obstructed prison personnel from carrying out their official duties.
Case registered, investigation underway
Based on the complaint filed by the prison superintendent, Barke Police registered a case against the inmates under relevant sections of the law.
Police officials said the investigation will examine the circumstances that led to the disturbance and assess the extent of the damage caused during the incident.
Authorities are also expected to review security procedures and disciplinary measures within the prison to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the challenges faced by prison authorities in maintaining discipline within correctional facilities. With a case now registered and an investigation underway, police are expected to take appropriate action against the accused inmates based on the findings.
Prison officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of staff and inmates within the facility.