Home Minister orders probe after videos show inmates using phones, TV in Bengaluru jail
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday said he has taken serious note of alleged irregularities at the Bengaluru Central Prison after videos surfaced on social media purportedly showing inmates watching television and using Android phones inside the jail.
Speaking to reporters here, Parameshwara said he has sought a report from Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) B Dayananda and warned of stringent action against officials if lapses are found.
Prison authorities launched an inquiry on Saturday after the videos went viral, showing several inmates allegedly receiving special privileges, including access to electronic gadgets.
One of the clips purportedly showed Umesh Reddy, a rape convict facing multiple charges of sexual offences, using an Android phone, while a television set was seen installed inside his barrack, sources said.
“I have asked him (ADGP Dayananda) to give me a report. If the report is not satisfactory, I will set up a separate committee and take corrective measures. I will not tolerate this nonsense. Enough is enough, because these things should not happen again,” the minister said.
Parameshwara said he had directed the ADGP to identify and take action against officials responsible for the lapses.
“They (prison officials) often say there is a shortage of staff, but the existing staff should at least perform their duties well. That is not an excuse. If they provide television, mobile phones and other things on the pretext of a lack of staff, then why should it be called a jail?” he remarked.
He said the government had already approved the installation of CCTV cameras and jammers in prisons.
“It has been implemented in some places. I am going to hold a meeting to take it seriously. We had suspended a few officers when such incidents took place in Belagavi and Mangaluru. I told ADGP Dayananda that someone must be held accountable for this. I have asked him to initiate action against the officials involved,” Parameshwara said.
To a question on prisoners having access to mobile phones, he said, “Not just terrorists, phones or any other facilities should not be in anyone’s hand inside the jail. No one will call it a jail then.”
Prison officials said an internal inquiry had been initiated to verify the authenticity of the videos and identify those responsible for facilitating such access.
Meanwhile, another video allegedly from the Bengaluru Central Prison went viral on social media, showing prisoners partying, dancing, and consuming liquor and non-vegetarian food.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
