Bengaluru Jail Scandal: Top Official Transferred After Inmates’ Party Videos Go Viral

Videos have emerged on social media showing inmates at Bengaluru's central jail using mobile phones and enjoying special privileges. These clips include footage of an ISIS recruiter and a serial rapist with access to phones inside the prison. As a result, the Prison Chief Superintendent has been transferred, and two other officials have been suspended. Karnataka's home minister, Dr. G Parameshwara, announced that an IPS officer will now oversee the Bengaluru Central Jail.

Security Breaches in Bengaluru Jail

The viral videos have raised concerns about security lapses and preferential treatment within the prison. One clip shows Zuhaib Hameed Shakeel Manna, an alleged ISIS recruiter, sipping tea while scrolling through a phone. Manna, a computer application expert from Bengaluru, was charged by the National Investigation Agency for his involvement with ISIS. He reportedly recruited young Muslims to join the terror group in Syria.

Another video features Umesh Reddy, accused of multiple rapes and murders, using three phones inside the jail. Reports suggest that jail staff were aware of these devices being used within the premises. The footage has sparked outrage over the apparent lack of control within the facility.

Lavish Parties Inside Prison Walls

Additional videos depict inmates hosting extravagant parties with alcohol and snacks. Disposable glasses filled with liquor and plates of cut fruits and fried peanuts are seen arranged neatly for what appears to be a party inside the jail. The video also shows four small liquor bottles lined up while some inmates dance to clanging utensils.

The controversy surrounding these videos has led to significant backlash against the Karnataka government. The BJP held protests outside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's residence in Bengaluru on Monday. S Harish, BJP District Incharge, criticised the Congress government for turning Bengaluru prison into a "safe haven" for criminals and terrorists.

BJP Demands Accountability

S Harish demanded that Karnataka's home minister resign immediately and called for Siddaramaiah to take moral responsibility for the incident. "The prisons are not prisons anymore in this Congress government... They have become a safe haven... Terrorists across the country want a transfer to Bangalore jail because it has become a safe haven... They want this jail only," he stated according to ANI.

The situation has prompted authorities to launch an investigation into these allegations of VIP treatment within Bengaluru central jail. Dr. Parameshwara expressed his disapproval by stating, "I won't tolerate it." The probe aims to address these security breaches and ensure accountability among prison staff.