The Karnataka Police Department has constituted a special investigation team headed by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer to probe the alleged recovery of a mobile phone from the prison cell of former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Revanna is currently serving a life sentence in a rape case.

Special Team and Its Mandate

Director General of Police (Prisons) Alok Kumar confirmed the formation of the team, which will be led by DIG Prisons and Reforms Jinendra Khanagavi. The team has been tasked with establishing how the mobile phone allegedly entered Revanna's cell, how long he had access to it, and who allegedly handed the device to him.

The probe will also examine whether any prison personnel colluded or were negligent in facilitating the alleged possession or use of the phone. Investigators will additionally look into the presence of SIM cards reportedly originating from Andhra Pradesh found inside the prison. DIG Khanagavi has already met DGP Kumar to begin discussions on the investigation's scope.

The Viral Video and Security Breach Concerns

The investigation was triggered after a purported 17-second video — allegedly showing Revanna speaking on a mobile phone from inside his cell — surfaced on social media and went viral. In the footage, he is seen wearing coloured clothes rather than the mandatory prison uniform, inside a cell fitted with a ceiling fan, and is heard referring to having made a call two days earlier. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and prison authorities have not yet issued an official response to the footage.

The video has raised pointed questions about how a mobile phone allegedly reached his cell despite security measures, including the presence of mobile phone jammers. According to officials, the probe will specifically examine how phones are reaching prisoners' cells in spite of existing security arrangements.

What Was Recovered and Actions Taken

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) recently conducted a raid at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, during which more than 10 mobile phones were reportedly recovered across the facility. Items allegedly found in Revanna's barrack included a blue Redmi 5G mobile phone, a charger, a blue pocket notebook, and a black SanDisk pen drive. Obscene videos were reportedly found on the phone and the pen drive, according to officials.

Several OTT applications were also found on the recovered device. Another prisoner, Prathap Rai — arrested in a POCSO case — had reportedly been housed in the VIP cell alongside Revanna and was allegedly assisting him.

Political Accountability and Disciplinary Action

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that he personally ordered the CCB raid after visiting Parappana Agrahara two weeks prior and observing certain lapses. 'I got the CCB raid conducted. A raid requires the permission of the Home Department. I had visited Parappana Agrahara two weeks ago and noticed certain lapses. Therefore, after obtaining the Chief Minister's approval, I ordered the raid,' he said.

Following the raid, Assistant Superintendent Eeranna was suspended in connection with the security lapses. A show-cause notice was simultaneously issued to Jail Superintendent Anshukumar seeking an explanation.

Revanna has since been shifted from a VIP cell to a regular cell housing approximately 20 other convicted prisoners, sharing a single toilet. He has been instructed to wear the mandatory prison uniform and carry out duties in the prison library.

Political Context

Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the nephew of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, as well as the son of former JD(S) minister H.D. Revanna. The development has acquired a political dimension, coming a day before the commencement of the Monsoon Assembly Session in Karnataka. The special team's findings are expected to determine the full extent of the security breach and whether systemic failures within the prison administration enabled it.