Are Terror Suspects and Notorious Criminals Using Mobile Phones in Bengaluru's High-Security Jail?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Serious security breaches reported in Bengaluru's high-security jail.
- Notorious inmates seen using mobile phones.
- Chief Minister promises investigation and accountability.
- Concerns over preferential treatment of certain inmates.
- Potential national security implications highlighted.
Bengaluru, Nov 8 (NationPress) Serious allegations regarding significant security breaches and favoritism within the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru have emerged after viral videos seemingly depict infamous inmates—among them, one of India's most notorious rapists and serial killers, Umesh Reddy, suspected terrorists, and an accused in a gold smuggling case—using mobile phones and enjoying unwarranted luxuries, leading to considerable embarrassment for prison officials.
In response to these incidents, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Saturday that he was not previously aware of the situation but assured that he would investigate the matter and take appropriate actions. The release of these videos has raised serious concerns about systemic corruption and compliance with prison regulations within the high-security facility.
The alleged footage reportedly shows Umesh Reddy, convicted for raping 20 women and murdering 18 between 1996 and 2022, openly using two Android phones and one keypad mobile inside the prison. His death sentence was commuted to 30 years of imprisonment without remission by the Supreme Court in 2022.
Initially sentenced to death, he later sought clemency, claiming mental illness. However, medical evaluations at NIMHANS Hospital confirmed his mental soundness.
Additionally, sources suggest that Telugu actor Tarun Raju, arrested in connection with the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, leads a luxurious lifestyle, reportedly having access to a mobile phone and television within his cell.
There are increasing concerns regarding how such privileges were permitted without the knowledge or consent of prison authorities. A senior police source questioned, "Is this a jail or a luxury lodge?" highlighting the extent of these alleged privileges.
Tarun, a close associate of Ranya Rao, was apprehended while attempting to flee to Geneva. Previously, he starred in the 2018 Telugu film Parichayam and has also appeared in Tamil cinema. Investigating agencies have identified him as the mastermind behind a gold smuggling network reportedly supplying gold to Ranya Rao in Dubai.
Ranya Rao, the daughter of a senior IPS officer, is accused of leveraging her family's influence and access to a police security vehicle to facilitate illegal operations.
More alarmingly, the videos reportedly show members of suspected extremist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba using smartphones for communication within the central prison, posing a serious national security threat.
This controversy follows previous Supreme Court directives to ensure that inmates are not afforded luxury facilities, a ruling that arose while reviewing the fan murder case involving Kannada superstar Darshan.