Will Officers Be Held Accountable for Terror Suspects Using Phones in Jails?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government is taking a firm stance on prison security following alarming videos of inmates misusing mobile phones. Home Minister G. Parameshwara emphasizes accountability for prison officials as the investigation unfolds, raising serious concerns about safety and oversight within the state's correctional facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Prison officers are accountable for security breaches.
- Illegal activities are reportedly occurring within prisons.
- Government emphasizes strict measures against responsible officials.
- Viral videos have raised alarms regarding inmate privileges.
- National security is at risk due to smartphone usage by inmates.
Bengaluru, Nov 10 (NationPress) In light of disturbing videos depicting terror suspects and criminals utilizing mobile phones and indulging in luxurious amenities within the Bengaluru Central Prison, Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara has announced that the officers responsible for prison management will face accountability for this significant security breach.
Addressing the media prior to a crucial meeting scheduled for Monday in Bengaluru, Parameshwara remarked on reports suggesting illegal activities occurring within the prison system. “This situation is being treated with utmost seriousness. The government will not condone such actions under any circumstances,” he emphasized.
“The officers involved, particularly the heads of the prisons, bear responsibility for this issue. They have been given the duty of overseeing these facilities and will be held accountable,” stated Parameshwara.
“If mobile phones, narcotics, and alcohol are entering the prisons, and such activities persist, who else should shoulder this responsibility? It is essential that the prison heads are held accountable. This meeting has been called in this regard,” he added.
The ADGP (Prisons) is expected to present insights during the meeting. Furthermore, we have received information from various sources. The Chief Minister has issued explicit directives, and we are addressing this matter seriously. The CM has mandated strict measures against the responsible officers. This meeting is convened with that objective,” Parameshwara explained.
Allegations of significant security failures and preferential treatment within the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru emerged last Saturday, following viral videos allegedly showing notorious inmates—including one of India’s most infamous rapists and serial killers, Umesh Reddy, suspected terrorists, and a gold smuggling suspect—using mobile phones and enjoying unwarranted luxuries, leading to considerable embarrassment for prison authorities.
The alleged footage reportedly depicts Umesh Reddy, convicted for raping 20 women and murdering 18 between 1996 and 2022, freely operating two Android devices and one keypad mobile phone inside the jail. In 2022, the Supreme Court commuted Reddy's death sentence to 30 years of incarceration without the possibility of remission.
Even more concerning are reports suggesting that the videos also showcase members of suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISIS, and other extremist organizations communicating via smartphones within the central prison, an event that represents a considerable threat to national security.
This latest scandal unfolds in the wake of previous Supreme Court admonitions to ensure inmates do not receive luxurious facilities, a directive stemming from the investigation into the murder case involving Kannada film star Darshan.
Point of View
It is crucial to address the unsettling incidents occurring within the Bengaluru Central Prison. The government's swift response highlights the importance of accountability in our correctional system. Ensuring prison security is paramount for public safety, and this situation underscores the need for rigorous oversight and reform within our penal institutions.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions will be taken against prison officers?
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has stated that officers in charge will be held accountable for security breaches, with strict actions mandated by the Chief Minister.
What did the viral videos show?
The videos allegedly depict terror suspects and criminals using mobile phones and enjoying luxury facilities inside Bengaluru Central Prison.
Who is Umesh Reddy?
Umesh Reddy is a convicted rapist and serial killer, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Supreme Court after his death penalty was commuted.
What security threats do these incidents pose?
The presence of suspected terrorists using smartphones within the prison raises significant concerns about national security and the potential for coordinated criminal activities.
How is the government responding to these revelations?
The government is taking the situation seriously, with a high-level meeting convened to discuss accountability and measures to prevent future breaches.
