Prisoners go on rampage in Karwar jail, damage TV and attack officials

KARWAR: A group of prisoners at Karwar’s district jail went on a rampage on Monday night, damaging property and attacking officials over their demand for ganja. The incident occurred two days after a group of prisoners, including five who were transferred from Mangaluru 15 days ago, clashed with jail authorities, alleging that they were not provided with the contraband.

The situation escalated when the prisoners, allegedly part of a notorious gang, smashed a television, a computer, a glass door and damaged other property in the jail two days ago. The gang included Mohammed Naushad, Abdul Rauf, Abdul Kabir, Jalal, Md Noufal among others. The authorities have registered a case against the prisoners, and senior police officials, including the District Police Superintendent Deepan M N, visited the jail to restore order.

On December 7, two prisoners — Mohammed Abdul Fayan and Kaushik Nihal — attacked jailer Kallappa Gasti and three other staffers alleging that they were not provided with tobacco and other intoxicants. The prisoners, who are from Mangaluru and have multiple serious cases against them, including dacoity and extortion, were transferred to Karwar jail from Mangaluru central prison.

The attack was reportedly triggered by the jail administration’s stringent measures to stop the supply and use of narcotic substances inside the prison. The prisoners, who were allegedly running a drug racket, were furious over losing their ‘business’ and privileges.

On Monday, the same gang of prisoners went on a rampage again, smashing the communal TV and vandalising other property inside the jail. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for assault on public servants and other prison offences. Senior police officials have visited the jail and hospital, and an investigation is under way.

The jail, which houses around 300 prisoners, is reportedly understaffed, with only 11 personnel managing the facility. The prisoners involved in the rampage have been identified, and arrangements are being made to transfer them to other jails in the state.

The authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, and efforts are under way to prevent such incidents in the future. They are also exploring options to enhance security inside the jail and prevent further incidents of violence. The incident has sparked concerns over rising indiscipline and the growing influence of criminal gangs inside Karnataka’s prisons.

The BJP has criticized the Congress government, questioning the home minister’s awareness of the incident and asking if he has anything to say beyond calling it ‘accidental’.