VVIP treatment to terrorists? Bengaluru jail chief transferred, 2 suspended after videos show inmates partying, using phones

The incident has prompted swift action from the state government, with the Chief Superintendent of the jail being transferred and two other officers suspended, Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed on Monday.

Parameshwara said that an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer will now head the Bengaluru Central Jail to ensure discipline and transparency.

“I won’t tolerate such behaviour,” the minister said, responding to the reports of luxury and leniency extended to high-profile inmates.

Viral videos trigger outrage

The scandal came to light after multiple videos went viral over the weekend, showing inmates using phones, watching television, and hosting what appeared to be parties inside the prison premises.

The footage has raised serious concerns about the security and management of the state’s largest jail.

One video reportedly featured alleged ISIS recruiter Zuhaib Hameed Shakeel Manna, who was seen sipping tea and scrolling through a mobile phone while chatting casually with another inmate.

Manna, a computer application specialist from Bengaluru, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly recruiting and funding youths to join ISIS in Syria.

Another clip showed Umesh Reddy, a convicted serial rapist and murderer, using multiple mobile phones inside the jail — with staff allegedly aware of the devices being used.

A third video revealed a shocking scene: inmates dancing, drinking, and hosting what appeared to be a party with alcohol, snacks, and music.

Disposable glasses filled with liquor, plates of fruit and fried peanuts, and small liquor bottles were seen laid out as inmates danced and clapped to the sound of utensils.

Government orders inquiry

Following the public outrage, prison authorities launched an immediate probe on Saturday. Preliminary findings suggested that the videos were indeed filmed inside Parappana Agrahara jail, one of the most secure facilities in Karnataka.

Parameshwara confirmed that disciplinary action has begun against negligent officers and that strict measures will follow to ensure no repeat of such incidents.

“We have taken this matter very seriously. The IPS officer appointed will restore order and integrity to the jail system,” he said.

BJP slams Congress government

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized on the scandal, staging protests outside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru on Monday.

BJP leaders accused the Congress-led government of turning the prison into a “luxury resort” for criminals and demanded the resignation of the Home Minister.

BJP district in-charge S. Harish told reporters that the Congress government has created a “safe haven” for terrorists and hardened criminals inside the state’s prisons.

“The prisons are not prisons anymore under this Congress government—they have become safe havens. Terrorists across the country want to be transferred to Bengaluru jail because of the comforts they get there,” Harish said, calling for accountability from the state’s top leadership.

Political and public fallout

The scandal has ignited a wider debate about corruption and mismanagement in Karnataka’s prison system.

Social media has been flooded with criticism, with many demanding a complete overhaul of the state’s correctional facilities.

Experts say the incident exposes deep-rooted issues in jail administration — from security lapses to the alleged nexus between inmates and corrupt officials.

What happens next

As the probe continues, the state government has promised to install stricter surveillance systems inside jails and rotate staff to prevent collusion.

The appointment of a senior IPS officer is being seen as a step toward restoring credibility in the system. For the first time, an IPS officer will head the jail to ensure stricter supervision.