Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has stated that the recent prison videos which spread widely on social media platforms originate from the period when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in power in the state. This clarification addresses the controversy surrounding the circulation of footage allegedly showing illicit activities within correctional facilities.
Context and Clarification on Viral Content
Minister Parameshwara provided this context while sharing significant data concerning prison management and security. He emphasized that the incidents captured in the widely shared videos did not occur under the current administration's watch. The clarification aims to set the record straight regarding the timeline of the events and the responsible government at the time.
Data Reveals 153 Cases Registered for Contraband
Alongside addressing the video controversy, the Home Minister presented official statistics highlighting ongoing efforts to maintain prison discipline. According to data from the last two years, a total of 153 cases have been registered across the state against prisoners for using or possessing banned items within prison premises. This figure underscores the continuous challenges authorities face in preventing the smuggling of contraband into correctional institutions.
The cases span various prisons throughout Karnataka, indicating that the issue is not isolated to a single facility. The registration of these cases demonstrates active monitoring and legal action being taken by prison authorities and the police to uphold rules and ensure security.
Focus on Parappana Agrahara Central Prison
While the data covers the entire state, particular attention has been drawn to the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, which is often at the center of such discussions due to its size and high-profile inmates. The viral videos in question are also linked to this facility, bringing it under renewed public and political scrutiny.
The state government's statement, delivered on December 18, 2025, serves both as a rebuttal to political criticism and a report on enforcement actions. By linking the viral content to the previous BJP-led government's tenure and simultaneously showcasing current enforcement data, the administration seeks to manage the political narrative while affirming its commitment to prison reform and security.
This development highlights the persistent issue of contraband in prisons and how such incidents become potent political tools. The release of specific case numbers is likely part of a broader strategy to demonstrate transparency and proactive governance in the sensitive home department portfolio.
