Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday, 12 August confirmed that he personally ordered the Central Crime Branch (CCB) raid on Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, during which more than 10 mobile phones were recovered — including one allegedly found in the barrack of jailed former MP Prajwal Revanna. Police said several OTT applications were found on the device recovered from Revanna's barrack, raising serious questions about security lapses inside one of Karnataka's most closely watched detention facilities.

How the Raid Was Ordered

Kharge said the operation required the approval of both the Home Department and the Chief Minister. '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. He added that the action was triggered by information provided by officials and that he had directed authorities to suspend all staff found to have facilitated irregularities inside the prison.

What Was Recovered

The Tuesday raid yielded more than 10 mobile phones from various parts of the prison, along with chargers and other prohibited items. A mobile phone and charger were specifically recovered from Prajwal Revanna's barrack. Prison Department DGP Alok Kumar confirmed that OTT applications were found on the device and said officials would also examine whether the prison's Wi-Fi network had been used. 'VIP treatment should not be given to anyone. The raid itself is a message to the officials,' Kumar said.

Officials Suspended, Show-Cause Notices Issued

In the immediate fallout, Assistant Superintendent Eeranna was suspended in connection with the lapses. A show-cause notice was also issued to Jail Superintendent Anshukumar seeking an explanation. Kumar indicated that seizure and mahazar procedures would need to be completed before further details of the recovered items could be disclosed. He also noted that some mobile phones supplied earlier were still believed to be inside the prison, and that searches conducted a few days prior had not yielded any such recovery.

State-Wide Crackdown Announced

Kharge stressed that similar operations would be extended to all prisons across Karnataka and should be conducted on a continuous basis. 'This is not limited to Parappana Agrahara. Such operations will be conducted in all prisons across the state. Some officials have not given up their old practices, and we are taking action against them,' he said. He cautioned that disciplinary action against prison officials must follow established procedures and service rules, including due process before any dismissal from service. Kumar echoed the warning, saying any official found to have colluded with inmates would face suspension without hesitation.

Context: Who Is Prajwal Revanna

Prajwal Revanna, a former Member of Parliament from Hassan in Karnataka, is currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in connection with a sexual assault case. His custody has been a politically sensitive issue in the state, given his family's ties to the Janata Dal (Secular) party. The discovery of a smartphone with OTT access in his barrack is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding his detention conditions. The investigation into how the prohibited items entered the facility — and whether any officials or individuals aided in smuggling them — is ongoing.