High-powered panel formed to review functioning of Karnataka prisons

A high-powered committee has been constituted to review the functioning, administration, and security of prisons across Karnataka, following reports of illegal activities and preferential treatment at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara, addressing the media after a review meeting with senior officials of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services on Monday, clarified that some of the videos showing irregularities inside the jail were recorded in 2023, while only a few were recent. “We have examined who were in charge during those times and have sought explanations,” he said.

Elaborating on the action taken, Mr. Parameshwara said that the high-powered committee would be led by Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Hitendra, with Inspector-General of Police Sandeep Patil, Superintendents of Police Amarnath Reddy and Rishyanth, as members.

Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of respective districts will serve as associate members.

The committee has been tasked with inspecting all prisons in the State, not just Parappana Agrahara, and submitting a comprehensive report within one month. “Based on the committee’s findings, strict action will be taken against all officials found responsible — including suspension or dismissal,” the Minister said.

The committee’s terms of reference include examining lapses such as malfunctioning CCTV cameras and other security failures. The report will be made public.

Strengthening surveillance

Dr. Parameshwara announced that all prisons in the State would be linked to a central command center at the Prisons Headquarters to monitor CCTV footage in real time. The system will be overseen by senior officers, including the DG and ADGP (Prisons).

Technical audits will also be conducted across all prisons to assess CCTV cameras and other security systems. A special technical team will address network issues in areas where mobile phone signals are still available inside prisons despite jammers being installed. “The goal is to ensure that no mobile phone works once it is brought inside the prison,” he said.

He announced that the government would double the number of technical devices, including baggage scanners, and has already approved ₹2 crore for new CCTV installations and ₹15 crore for erecting 10 new signal-blocking towers. Tenders for the same would be floated soon.

Transfers and recruitment

In addition, all prison officers who have served more than five years in the same post will be transferred immediately. To address staff shortages, the government has approved recruitment of 197 warders, 22 instructors, and three assistant superintendents. Proposals for 983 additional warders and 17 jailers are under consideration.

Strict accountability

The Minister warned that strict action would follow if similar lapses occured in the future. “Excuses about whether incidents are old or new will not be accepted. Whoever was on duty when the violations occurred will be held accountable,” he said.

Supervisory officers will be held responsible for the conduct of their subordinates. All prison superintendents and officers must remain in direct contact with headquarters, and senior officials are required to visit prisons at least once or twice a month.

Deputy Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police have also been directed to visit prisons and submit reports to the headquarters.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Tushar Girinath, DG and IGP, M.A. Saleem, Home Department Secretary K.V. Sharath Chandra, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, and ADGP (ISD) Chandrashekhar, and other senior officials.