Cases filed against Mangaluru prison undertrials for assaulting inmates, instigating unrest

Mangaluru: Cases have been registered at Barke police station accusing undertrial prisoners at the Mangaluru district prison of assaulting fellow inmates, abusing jail staff, instigating unrest, and disrupting routine prison activities.

According to the complaint, on December 2 around 11:35 am, undertrials housed in the “A” block began shouting at on-duty staff and obstructed them from locking and securing the unit. On receiving the alert, Sharanabasappa, Superintendent of the District Prison, rushed to the spot, where he heard the inmates abusing and threatening staff.

When the Superintendent advised the inmates against such behaviour, Mohammad Asif, lodged in Room No 4 of the “A” block, allegedly shouted back, challenging him to “come upstairs if you have the courage.” He was soon joined by Moiyuddin Faraz, Ibrahim Khalil, Nisar Hussain, and Mohammad Afeez, who together reportedly hurled abuses at the officials, issued threats, and obstructed their duties.

A similar disturbance had occurred earlier on November 29 around 4:45 pm, when inmates of the “A” block gathered near the Superintendent’s office. Asif was heard shouting, “Prove whom I have assaulted,” while attempting to rally other inmates to step out and create disorder. Staff immediately intervened and sent the prisoners back to their block.

Subsequent inquiry revealed that Asif had allegedly assaulted three inmates working in kitchen — Umesh, Ramesh, and Prakash — with the intention of escalating tensions within the prison. Officials said he repeatedly abused and obstructed staff, and is believed to be the key instigator behind Tuesday’s incident as well.