Inmates at Parappana Agrahara prison continue to enjoy special facilities

BENGALURU: Inmates of the central prison in Parappana Agrahara continue to get special facilities right under the nose of the jail officials.

During a raid of the cells, a mobile phone found in room number-6 of tower-2 while other phones and charger were found in the toilets. The prisoners are using the phones to contact their people on the outside. The prisoners had kept two branded Android phones, a charger and a SIM wrapped in plastic.

In July, a video had gone viral where a history-sheeter was seen discussing with another prisoner and getting special facility. The accused in the Harsha murder case too were seen enjoying special facilities in the jail recently.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that he will instruct the jail authorities take necessary measures.

After the incident, a team including Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and some judges had visited the jail and ordered the transfer of many officers and staff after finding illegal activities in the jail. A 4G jammer is being installed and there is a plan to give body-worn cameras for senior jail staff.

Jnanendra had also said that if an inmate informs the jail authorities about the use of mobile phone by others, they will be given a reward of Rs 2,000, and reduction in punishment will be considered and action taken against the accused. However, the illegal activities of the prisoners in the jail are continuing unabated.

In a recent incident, Muskan Banu, a friend of convict Naveen, visited him in jail on November 11 and smuggled in drug hidden in an amulet. He was, however, caught by the jail staff. The CCB police too have conducted raids many times and seized narcotic substances.

Jnanendra told the media after his recent visit to the Parappana Agrahara jail, “We will increase the security staff in the jail. We transferred as many as 35 officers, including the DIG, and 15 officers were suspended, going by the Murugan committee report. The jail stay of those who had mobile phones and narcotics will be increased by another five years and criminal case will be filed against people who help sneak in mobile phones. All precautionary measures will be taken to prevent illegal activities.”

With illegal activities continuing, several questions are being raised — how are the jail inmates able to access special facilities; are jail officials being bribed; and whatever happened to what the Home Minister had announced?