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Mobile phone, sim cards and cash found in Bengaluru Central Prison
Bengaluru Central Prison authorities recovered a mobile phone, three sim cards and ₹8,500 cash during surprise inspections. Legal action is being sought against those involved in smuggling.
At a glance
Why it matters
The repeated discovery of prohibited items in Bengaluru Central Prison highlights systemic vulnerabilities in security measures and the need for enhanced protocols to prevent smuggling, which can compromise prison safety and the integrity of the justice system.
Key facts
- A mobile phone and three sim cards were found in the possession of convicted prisoners during surprise inspections.
- ₹8,500 cash was recovered from a bag in the toilet of Room No. 7 in the kitchen block.
- Two cases have been registered under the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act seeking legal action against those involved in smuggling.
- The incident follows previous raids where a smartphone was found in the cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna.
- A separate probe has been initiated into false claims of a hunger strike by activist Puneeth Kerehalli.
What happens next
Prison authorities will continue to conduct surprise inspections and investigate the source of the smuggled items. The legal cases will be reviewed by the court to determine the next steps.
Bengaluru Central Prison authorities recovered a mobile phone, three sim cards and ₹8,500 cash during surprise inspections conducted on September 28 and 29. The items were found in the possession of convicted prisoners during routine checks. Superintendent BM Kotresh filed complaints with Parappana Agrahara police, seeking legal action against those involved in smuggling the prohibited items into the prison.
The mobile phone, a keypad model without a sim card, was discovered in the bag of convict Malatesha in Room No. 4 of Tower-2, C-Barrack. Three sim cards were found concealed inside a cap belonging to convict Mohammed Nawaz in Room No. 5 of the same barrack. The cash, ₹8,500, was recovered from a bag kept in the toilet of Room No. 7 in the kitchen block during a separate inspection on September 28.
The prison authorities have registered two cases under the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act, seeking action against those who allegedly smuggled the items, those who aided the act, and those who used the prohibited items within the prison. The legal action includes provisions under Section 42 of the Karnataka Prisons Act, 1963, and other relevant laws. The cases aim to determine how the items entered the prison and whether they were used in violation of prison rules.
The incident follows previous raids at the same prison where a smartphone was found in the cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna. The current searches highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining security and preventing the smuggling of prohibited items into the prison.
A separate probe has been initiated into claims that activist Puneeth Kerehalli was on a hunger strike inside the prison. Police verified with prison authorities, who denied the allegation, stating Kerehalli was consuming regular food. The social media campaign that spread the false claim has led to a suo motu case registered by Basavanagudi police, citing potential public-order issues and unrest.
The prison authorities have named several social media accounts in the FIR and are working to identify the individuals behind the posts. Kerehalli was arrested following a clash during an Eid-Milad procession on August 26. The case underscores the need for vigilance against misinformation and its potential impact on prison security and public order.