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Bengaluru Jail Scandal: How Terror Suspects Got Phones in High-Security Prison

Major security breaches have been exposed at Bengaluru's high-security central prison. Notorious criminals including serial killer Umesh Reddy and terror suspects were caught using mobile phones freely. The videos show inmates enjoying unwarranted luxuries despite Supreme Court directives. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to investigate the serious lapses in prison management.

Key Points: Bengaluru Central Jail Security Lapses Expose Mobile Phone Use

  • Umesh Reddy convicted for 20 rapes and 18 murders using Android phones in jail
  • Terror suspects from Lashkar-e-Taiba communicating via smartphones inside prison
  • Telugu actor Tarun Raju enjoying luxury lifestyle while in custody
  • CM Siddaramaiah unaware of security lapses but promises investigation
3 min read

Terror suspects, notorious criminals caught using mobile phones in Bengaluru's high-security jail; CM assures action

Umesh Reddy, terror suspects caught using mobile phones in Bengaluru's high-security jail. CM Siddaramaiah promises action amid major security breach concerns.

"Is this a jail or a luxury lodge? - Senior Police Source"

Bengaluru, Nov 8

Allegations of major security lapses and preferential treatment within the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru have surfaced following the viral videos purportedly showing notorious inmates -- including one of India's most notorious rapist and serial killers Umesh Reddy, suspected terrorists and a gold smuggling accused -- using mobile phones and enjoying unwarranted luxuries, causing significant embarrassment to prison authorities.

Responding to the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in Bengaluru on Saturday that he was unaware of the development but assured of "looking into the matter" and will initiate necessary action. The series of videos immediately raised serious questions about systemic corruption and adherence to prison manual protocols within the high-security jail.

The purported footage allegedly shows Umesh Reddy, who was convicted for raping 20 women and murdering 18 women between 1996 and 2022, freely using two Android phones and one keypad mobile inside the jail. Reddy's death sentence was commuted by the Supreme Court to 30 years of imprisonment without remission in 2022.

He was initially sentenced to death but later sought clemency, claiming to be mentally ill. However, medical examinations at NIMHANS Hospital confirmed that he was mentally sound.

Sources also claim that Telugu actor Tarun Raju, arrested in connection with the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, is leading a "bindaas lifestyle," with access to a mobile phone and television in his cell.

Questions are now being raised over how such privileges were allowed without the knowledge or consent of prison authorities. "Is this a jail or a luxury lodge?" a senior police source questioned, alluding to the scale of the alleged privileges.

Tarun, a close aide of Ranya Rao, was reportedly arrested while trying to flee to Geneva. He had earlier played the lead role in the 2018 Telugu film Parichayam and had also acted in Tamil films. Investigating agencies have identified him as the mastermind of a gold smuggling network that allegedly supplied gold to Ranya Rao in Dubai.

Ranya Rao, the daughter of a senior IPS officer, is accused of using her family's influence and access to a police security vehicle to aid the illegal operations.

Even more alarming are claims that the videos also show suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba and other foreign and domestic extremist outfit members using smartphones for communication within the central prison, an incident that poses a national security threat.

This latest controversy follows earlier Supreme Court strictures to ensure inmates do not receive luxury facilities, a directive issued while looking into the fan murder case involving Kannada superstar Darshan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Terror suspects using smartphones in prison? This is a massive national security failure. If they can communicate freely, who knows what plans they're making. This needs immediate investigation and heads should roll. Our security agencies work hard to catch these people, and then prisons fail us.
A
Arjun K
The police source asked the right question - is this a jail or luxury lodge? VIP treatment for criminals while common people suffer. This shows deep-rooted corruption in our system. Hope the CM's assurance leads to real action, not just political statements.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in prison reform, I must respectfully point out that this isn't just about individual lapses. Our prison system needs complete overhaul - better training for staff, modern surveillance, and accountability mechanisms. The focus should be on rehabilitation, not luxury for criminals.
V
Vikram M
Remember when Darshan's case brought attention to jail luxuries? Nothing changed apparently. System mein bahut gadbad hai. When will our authorities learn? Common citizens follow every rule, but high-profile criminals get special treatment. Very disappointing.
K
Kavya N
The families of Umesh Reddy's victims must be feeling so betrayed right now. He destroyed so many lives and now he's living comfortably in jail? This is injustice to the victims and their families. Justice system needs to be stronger. 🙏

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