'Serious Action Soon': Siddaramaiah Slams VIP Treatment For ISIS Recruiter, Rapist In Bengaluru Jail

Last Updated:November 09, 2025, 17:00 IST

Siddaramaiah's response came after several videos showed an ISIS recruiter and a convicted serial rapist enjoying VIP treatment in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (File Photo)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday warned of strict action after several videos surfaced online, showing an alleged ISIS recruiter and a rapist enjoying VIP treatment inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, with access to mobile phones and TV.

Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, accused of recruiting youth for ISIS, had access to a smartphone and was using it freely inside the prison premises with a TV in the background, an investigation revealed, highlighting major security lapses and preferential treatment. Umesh Reddy, accused of rape and murder, was seen casually watching television in his cell.

The revelations triggered widespread concern and raised questions about oversight, internal collusion and systemic failure inside one of Karnataka’s most closely monitored prisons. Director General of Prisons B. Dayananda ordered a detailed inquiry and instructed officials to verify footage.

Reacting to the videos of VIP treatment, Siddaramaiah said the DGP was on leave at the time when the videos emerged. “The DGP in charge was on leave. I have called a meeting with the home minister. Those who have committed this mistake, serious action will be taken. Secondly we will ensure this will not happen in the future."

Convicts Enjoying VIP Treatment?

According to reports, Tarun Raju – an accused in a major gold smuggling racket – has been living a “carefree life" inside the jail, with access to a mobile phone and a television setup in his cell. Another inmate, serial offender Umesh Reddy, is also seen in videos speaking on two Android phones, with sources claiming his cell includes a television and even provisions to cook meals of his choice.

The scrutiny around Tarun Raju’s alleged privileges also renewed focus on the massive gold smuggling case in which Kannada actress Ranya Rao is a key accused. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 4 after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 127.3 kg of smuggled gold at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.

Earlier Controversies Involving Parappana Agrahara Jail

This is not the first controversy surrounding this Bengaluru prison. In October, a video surfaced showing notorious rowdy-sheeter Srinivas, alias Gubbachi Seena, celebrating his birthday behind bars. The murder accused was seen cutting a cake, wearing an apple garland, and surrounded by fellow inmates, sparking widespread backlash over lack of adequate jail supervision.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, accused of kidnapping and murdering his fan, Renukaswamy, was accused of receiving preferential treatment while being lodged in the same jail, when a picture was leaked, in which the actor was seen holding a cup of coffee and a cigarette in the other hand. He was seen sitting with three other men in the garden area, sipping coffee and laughing about something, reigniting debate over the failure of jail authorities to enforce basic rules.

As many as nine officials at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Jail were suspended after the photo went viral, and CM Siddaramaiah instructed prison authorities to move Darshan to a different jail.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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