Bengaluru, Nov 10 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has initiated a thorough review following revelations that a suspected ISIS terrorist, Zohaid Manna, along with other notorious offenders, was able to use a mobile phone within the confines of the high-security Bengaluru Central Prison. He emphasized that "ruthless measures" would be enforced if such security violations continue.

Parameshwara mentioned that the government is reevaluating its strategies to mitigate such lapses, acknowledging that previous suspensions and FIRs have not been effective. He reiterated that "ruthless measures" would be implemented should similar incidents occur in the Bengaluru facility.

During a press conference in the state capital, Parameshwara stated that this matter would be taken with utmost seriousness, referencing observations made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

He noted, "The NIA has provided observations in this context, and I will discuss the matter in the upcoming meeting. The observations are supported by evidence, and we are treating them seriously."

Parameshwara indicated that a meeting was convened with the ADGP (Prisons), senior officials, and superintendents from major prisons, including those in Belagavi, Shivamogga, and Ballari, highlighting the importance of addressing various issues.

He remarked, "I am assessing what actions need to be taken to prevent such lapses. In the past, officials faced suspensions and FIRs, but that alone appears insufficient. If such incidents happen within prisons, can we even refer to them as jails? Officers are granted authority by law to oversee these institutions – if they fail in their responsibilities, is that not a lapse?"

Referring specifically to the Bengaluru Central Prison, Parameshwara reiterated that it is the state's primary facility, warning that "ruthless measures" would be enacted if these occurrences persist.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the responses submitted by the prison authorities regarding the videos in question. "I am not satisfied with their explanations," he stated.

He also instructed the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to act on certain developments, acknowledging the situation's implications.

Parameshwara noted, "The Opposition has grounds to challenge the government, and we must approach this matter with the utmost seriousness – we have our responsibilities as well."

This situation arose following the emergence of a video purportedly showing Manna, who was extradited from Dubai in 2023 on charges of radicalizing youth for the ISIS terror organization, using a mobile phone with apparent ease. He had been arrested in Dubai back in 2020.

In the video, he can be heard mentioning security protocols, stating, "If the password is available, we will get caught."

This clip has ignited a debate concerning prison oversight, coinciding with other videos allegedly depicting serial killer and rapist Umesh Reddy, actress Ranya Rao’s associate Tarun, and suspected terrorists utilizing mobile phones, listening to music, and viewing television within the prison environment. These incidents have raised significant concerns about security and oversight in state prisons.