VVIP treatment in Bengaluru jail: Superintendent, ASP dismissed; IPS officer to head prison for 1st time

BENGALURU: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Monday announced disciplinary action against senior prison officials following an inquiry into reports of “VVIP treatment” at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.

Jail Superintendent Magery and ASP Ashok Bhajantri have been dismissed, while chief superintendent of Prison K Suresh has been transferred.While speaking to reporters Parameshwara said that although some of the viral photos and videos circulating online were old, the probe revealed serious lapses in prison management.

He added that, for the first time, an IPS officer will head the jail to ensure stricter supervision.Parameshwara said, “The media had reported that an unlawful incident had occurred. A meeting was held to verify the truth of the matter. An investigation has been conducted regarding the media reports. Some videos have been circulating; however, they are from 2023, not from yesterday or the day before. Some photos, only one or two, are from three to four months ago. The responsibility lies with three people. Chief Superintendent of Prison K Suresh.

He has been immediately transferred. An IPS officer has been appointed in his place for the first time. From now on, Parappana Agrahara Prison will be managed by an IPS officer.”The minister added that a high-power committee has been constituted to review the functioning of prisons across the state and submit a detailed report. “Formation of a new committee, a High-Power Committee. They will review all matters happening in the prisons and submit a comprehensive report.

We will provide them with the terms of reference. Jail Superintendent Magery has been dismissed. ASP Ashok Bhajantri has also been dismissed,” he said.The action follows a viral video that purportedly showed inmates at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail — including high-profile prisoners — enjoying unauthorised privileges such as access to mobile phones and television.Among those allegedly featured in the video were death-row convict and serial killer Umesh Reddy, gold smuggling accused Tarun Raj, and an ISIS operative brought from Dubai by the National Security Agency (NSA), who was also seen using a mobile phone inside the prison.