Videograb of the incident.
Bengaluru: Following videos of inmates allegedly enjoying VIP treatment inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government on Monday transferred the Chief Superintendent of Prison, K Suresha.
Following a high-level meeting, the Home Minister said that, for the first time, they will replace the Chief Superintendent of Parappana Agrahara Prison with an IPS officer.
Later in the day, the order appointing Anshu Kumar, Superintendent of Police (Prisons), as Chief Superintendent of Parappana Agrahara Prison was issued. The order noted that the post of Chief Superintendent of Prison, Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru, was declared equivalent to SP, Mandya.
“Superintendent of Prison Myageri and Assistant Superintendent Ashok Bhajantri have been placed under immediate suspension,” Parameshwara said.
The meeting was a result of the emergence of new videos last week of notorious criminals, including serial rapist Umesh Reddy and terror suspect Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, using smartphones and enjoying alleged preferential treatment inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru. Gold smuggling suspect Tarun Konduru Raju was also seen in the videos. “I have reviewed the developments in the prisons in the state. Some videos are from 2023, not from yesterday or the day before. Only a couple of videos were from the last three to four months. We have discussed and got answers from those who were there in 2023, who were there in 2024, and who are there now,” the Home Minister said.
High-power committee
The Home Minister said that a high-power committee has been formed. This will be led by ADGP (Law and Order) R Hitendra. He will be assisted by IGP Sandeep Patil, SP Amarnath Reddy and SP Rishyanth.
“The District Magistrates and SPs of the respective districts will also be members of the committee. Not only Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, but all the prisons in the state should be inspected, and a comprehensive report should be given. We will give the terms of reference for this. Based on the report given by the high-power committee, action will be taken to dismiss or suspend those involved in the incident,” Parameshwara said, adding that the report is to be submitted within a month.
He also said that the NIA report was discussed in the meeting and will be included in the High Power Committee report. The NIA had taken cognisance of this issue and sought an explanation from the Home Department on how a terror suspect gained access to phones. Sources said that terror suspect Manna was technically sound and could hack into the jammers.
Command centre for smooth coordination
The Home Minister said that a command centre will be set up to monitor the CCTV feeds in all prisons at the headquarters.
“A system will be made for senior officers, DG or ADGP Prisons, to monitor. A time limit of 15 days has been given for setting it up. Before this, a technical audit will be conducted. Further, a technical team will be set up to ensure the jammers won’t affect the residents living around the jail premises,” he said.
“Steps will be taken to double all types of technical equipment, including baggage scanners, in prisons. The cabinet has approved Rs 2 crore for installing CCTV in prisons. The cabinet has approved Rs 15 crore for installing ten towers. Instructions have been given to immediately call for tenders and take action to start the work.”
Recruitment measures
Parameshwara said that officers who have worked in the same prison for five years will be transferred immediately.
“Permission has been given for the recruitment of 197 warders, 22 instructors, and 3 assistant superintendents. A proposal has been received for the recruitment of 983 warders and 17 jailers. He informed that action will be taken in this regard. Strict instructions have been given to the superintendents and officers of all prisons.
“If such incidents recur, stricter action will be taken. It is not possible to say that the incident is old or new. It has been instructed that when a prohibited substance enters the prison, the officer who was on duty at that time will be held responsible. It is the responsibility of the superiors to monitor what the lower-level officers and staff are doing. Therefore, they will be held responsible,” he added.