A case of security lapse has come to light in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Jail, where prisoners made false allegations against the officials by making videos from mobiles. During investigation, mobile phones were recovered from the toilet pipe and three warders were suspended.
Bengaluru. A major lapse has come to light in the security arrangements in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. Here three undertrial prisoners recorded videos using mobile phones. In these videos, the prisoners falsely claimed that the Director General of Police (DGP) and Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Alok Kumar provided them mobile phones. Initial investigation has revealed that the inmates deliberately targeted Alok Kumar to demoralize him and undermine efforts to curb illegal activities going on in the jail.
Viral Video Controversy: False allegations against officials
The prisoners made fun of the officer in the video and falsely accused him of giving them the mobile phone. He also discussed the RCB vs SRH IPL match held on March 28 and claimed that RCB will win. Also raised slogans like “Isala nu kap namde”. According to sources, these videos were recorded on the evening of March 27 and later shared with family and friends. By Saturday morning, the clips had gone viral and reached a regional news portal around 9 am, following which an internal investigation was immediately initiated.
Mobile Phones Recovery: Phones found hidden in toilet pipe
Jail Chief Superintendent Anshu Kumar, while investigating with his team, found the source of the leak. Two mobile phones hidden in the pipeline of a toilet chamber of the jail complex were recovered. These phones were packed in milk packets and hidden inside pipes, which has exposed serious flaws in the security system.
Who are the accused?
The prisoners identified by the jail authorities include Darshan and his younger brother Abhi. Both are accused in the murder case that took place in Hennur Bande about two and a half years ago. The voice heard in the video is said to be that of another inmate, Gypsin Daniels. According to officials, all three of them are associated with ‘Sunkadakatte Rakshit Gang’.
Why did the controversy increase?
According to Alok Kumar, this incident happened when the jail administration had started a new system of shifting prisoners to different barracks on the basis of alphabetical order. Its purpose was to reduce contact between prisoners and prevent organized crime. Under this process, Darshan was sent to the ‘Quarantine Barrack’ on the evening of 27 March. Officials say this video was recorded just minutes before he was shifted.
Leak Investigation: Videos deliberately spread in the media
Investigating agencies believe that these videos were deliberately leaked to the media. Its objective was to disrupt the jail reform process, tarnish the image of the administration and demoralize senior officers.
Action Taken: Warders were punished
A complaint in this matter has been registered at Parappana Agrahara Police Station on March 28. Three warders Niranjan Kamat, Hanumanthappa Hadpad and Shivanand Karlbatti have been suspended for dereliction of duty. They are accused of negligence in security during the night of March 27 and morning of March 28, when mobile phones were used. Apart from this, action has also been initiated against the jailer who was on duty at that time.
Network Issue: Mobile signal found active in jail
Another serious thing has come to light during the investigation. Active signals of Airtel network have been found in some parts of the jail. Due to this, questions have been raised on the communication security system of the jail. Officials have warned the telecom company to take necessary steps and stop such misuse.
Officials Statement: Reforms will continue
Despite this whole matter, the jail authorities have clearly said that the process of reform will continue. A senior officer said that efforts to improve jail administration cannot be stopped under any circumstances, even if some people try to obstruct it.