Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday convened a meeting of senior officials to review the situation after a purported video surfaced showing inmates at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail allegedly receiving “VVIP treatment.”
The video, which has gone viral on social media, purportedly shows inmates using mobile phones, watching television, and having access to liquor and other prohibited items inside the prison. Among those reportedly seen in the footage are Umesh Reddy, a serial killer on death row, Tarun Raj, convicted in a gold smuggling case, and an ISIS operative who was extradited from Dubai by the National Security Agency (NSA).
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said strict action would be taken against those responsible.
“I have called a meeting of all senior officers today to take stock of the situation. Some of the videos show liquor, drugs, and mobile phones being supplied to inmates. We will look into this matter thoroughly and take serious action against those involved,” the Home Minister said.
He confirmed that ADGP (Prisons) B. Dayananda has been asked to submit a detailed report on the incident.
“I have spoken to Dayananda. This is happening repeatedly, and I have made it clear that it will not be tolerated. Immediate action will be taken, and a report will be submitted soon. Enough is enough,” Parameshwara added.
The video has triggered a major political controversy in the state. The Opposition BJP held a protest march to Vidhana Soudha, accusing the Congress government of losing control over law and order.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka slammed the government, saying,
“Rapists, smugglers, and extremists in Parappana Agrahara prison are openly violating jail rules and enjoying luxuries like TV, internet, and mobile phones. The Chief Minister has no control over his ministers, and ministers have no control over officials.”
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra also hit out at the ruling Congress, alleging that the government was compromising national security.
“Even prisons in Karnataka have turned into government-sponsored recreation clubs for terrorists. This blatant compromise of national security is possible only under the Congress government acting under the diktats of their ‘supreme leader’ Rahul Gandhi,” Vijayendra said.
The state government has assured that a full investigation is underway and that those found guilty—whether officials or inmates—will face strict disciplinary and legal action.
