Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday, 13 August firmly rejected opposition allegations that the state government is targeting convicted former MP Prajwal Revanna, following the recovery of a mobile phone and pen drive from his prison cell and his subsequent transfer from a VIP cell to a regular barrack.

What Kharge Said

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge made clear that the government's actions were grounded in law, not politics. 'The Government is targeting no one. Prajwal is a convict. Nothing is personal. The court has convicted Prajwal Revanna and, in that backdrop, he is in jail. When the facts are such, there is no question of targeting him,' he said.

Prajwal is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the son of Janata Dal (Secular) MLA H.D. Revanna. He is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction in a rape case.

Prison Lapses and Ongoing Investigation

On the question of how a mobile phone and pen drive reached a convicted prisoner's cell, Kharge acknowledged lapses in the prison system and said a full investigation was underway. 'If there are illegal activities inside the prison, action should be initiated at any cost. The video that has come out in this connection is a little older. The investigation is on to find out who handed over the mobile phone to the cell. The investigation so far has revealed that there was no Wi-Fi usage,' he said.

Kharge confirmed that some prison officials had already been suspended and that a comprehensive digital audit had been ordered across all state prisons. He added that the inquiry would also examine whether action should be initiated against DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar.

No Protection for Guilty Officers

The Home Minister was unequivocal that no official would be shielded, regardless of rank. 'There is no question of protecting any officer from constable to IPS rank who is guilty. Raids have been conducted with the intention of rectifying lapses in the prison system. Action was initiated after lapses were found during my visit to the prison,' Kharge said, reiterating that accountability would extend from constable to senior IPS officers.

BJP Allegation Rebutted

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had alleged that Karnataka's prisons had been turned into 'resorts' under the current government. Kharge pushed back sharply, questioning whether BJP leaders had personally visited the facilities. 'Were the prisons resorts during the tenures of Araga Jnanendra and R. Ashoka under BJP governments? It is not tenable to make false allegations,' he said, naming two former Home Ministers from the BJP era.

What Happens Next

A state-wide digital audit of prison systems is now underway, with findings expected to determine the chain of responsibility for the security breach. The investigation into DGP Alok Kumar's role is ongoing, and further action — including potential disciplinary proceedings — is anticipated once the audit concludes. The case continues to draw political attention given Prajwal Revanna's high-profile family connections.