Bengaluru Central Prison Rocked by Mobile Phone Scandal Involving Undertrials
In a shocking breach of security, three undertrials housed within the highly guarded Central Prison of Bengaluru were caught using mobile phones to record and disseminate viral videos. The clips, which surfaced on Saturday, March 27, quickly spread across digital platforms, prompting an immediate internal investigation by prison authorities.
Viral Videos Accuse DGP of Providing Devices
In the videos, the trio of inmates—identified as Abhi (an accused in a murder case), Zypsin Daniel, and Sanjeev—boldly claimed that DGP (Prisons & Correctional Services) Alok Kumar had personally "provided them the devices." The footage also featured the prisoners mocking the officer and casually discussing the upcoming March 28 cricket match between RCB and SRH, highlighting a blatant disregard for prison regulations.
Probe Exposes Plot to Derail Prison Reforms
During the subsequent internal probe, the undertrials admitted that their primary motive was to disrupt and derail the comprehensive reforms initiated by DGP Alok Kumar aimed at cleaning up the jail system. The investigation categorically denied all charges leveled against the officer, confirming the allegations as fabricated attempts to sabotage administrative efforts.
The videos first reached a news portal around 9 a.m. on Saturday, triggering a swift response from law enforcement. As a result, three warders—Niranjan Kamat, Hanumantappa Hadpad, and Shivanand Karlabatti—were suspended for dereliction of duty. Additionally, disciplinary action has been initiated against the jailer who was on supervisory duty at the time of the incident.
Recovery of Hidden Mobile Phones
In a coordinated effort, Chief Superintendent (Prisons) Anshu Kumar and his team successfully recovered three mobile phones meticulously wrapped in milk packets and concealed within a pipeline at a depth of 3 feet. A senior officer explained that standard detectors are unable to spot devices or contraband hidden at such depths, exposing a critical vulnerability in prison security protocols.
Link to Administrative Changes and Inmate Network
According to DGP Alok Kumar, the incident appears directly linked to recent administrative changes designed to dismantle communication networks among inmates. These reforms involved shifting prisoners into barracks based on the alphabetical order of their names. As part of this process, Abhi's elder brother Darshan—also an accused in the murder case—was relocated to a quarantine barrack on March 27.
Officials believe the videos were recorded shortly after this shift, indicating a retaliatory move by the inmates. Following the recovery of the phones, Alok Kumar personally visited the prison to question the accused. During interrogation, the inmates alleged that a Nigerian national, who was lodged in the prison two years prior, had handed over the phones, SIM cards, and a charger before his release.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions Initiated
A formal complaint was filed at the Parappana Agrahara police station on March 28 against the three inmates. Parallel disciplinary proceedings have also been launched against prison staff to address systemic lapses. Authorities detected active network signals in certain sections of the prison, raising serious concerns about communication loopholes that could facilitate further misuse.
In response, a stern warning has been issued to the telecom provider, urging immediate corrective measures to prevent unauthorized usage within the facility. Despite this security breach, officials remain steadfast in their commitment to ongoing reform measures.
Commitment to Reform Amid Challenges
"Efforts to streamline and improve prison administration will not be deterred by vested interests attempting to disrupt the system," affirmed a senior official. The prisoners were also found in possession of clips showing other inmates using mobile phones to watch movies on OTT platforms, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by prison authorities in maintaining security while implementing progressive reforms. The swift actions taken—including suspensions, recoveries, and legal complaints—demonstrate a resolve to uphold integrity and order within Bengaluru's correctional facilities.
