Anonymous audio message threatens to blow up Kalaburagi jail superintendent’s car

KALABURAGI: An anonymous audio message is doing the rounds threatening to blast the official vehicle of Kalaburagi central jail chief superintendent Dr Anitha R. The message was also received by a police inspector at Farhatabad in Kalaburagi, creating alarm.

Dr Anitha was posted at the Kalaburagi central jail after it came to light that inmates were enjoying a comfortable life behind the prison walls. The threat message has given rise to suspicion on whether it was sent in the light of the strict security measures implemented in the jail after Dr Anitha took over.

After a video of the jail inmates leading a luxurious life had gone viral, the new chief superintendent had taken steps to curb the illegal supply of gutka, cigarettes, beedis and chewing tobacco into the jail. Recently, the jail inmates had also staged a protest demanding that they should be given access to cigarettes and gutka.

“I have come to know about the audio message. But I personally haven’t received any call or message. If I do get it, I will definitely lodge a complaint. From my side, I will take precautions at my level like parking the officials vehicle in front of the jail premises where there are CCTV cameras. We will be cautious”, Dr Anitha told media persons when asked about the threat.

“I reported for duty at the Kalaburagi central prison on October 14 and ever since, we have taken strict measures and we are trying to improve the administration. Ever since I was posted here, we have registered nine FIRs and we have enhanced security. A few days ago, some person transferred some money to my account fraudulently and I have lodged a complaint. The main demand of the inmates is to allow beedis and cigarettes inside. Allegations of bribery and harassment are all false”, Dr Anitha said.

Further, she said that such allegations crop up when the administration of the jail becomes strict. “We are trying to discharge our duties as per rules. I am surprised that some person, claiming to be a social worker from Hubballi, called me and asked about the money transfer. I don’t know how he got my private number”, she said.

North zone DIG Somashekar visited the jail on Thursday.

Following the incident, North zone DIG Somashekar on Thursday visited the jail and held discussion on security measures with the staff.