'Won't tolerate': Karnataka home minister on 'VVIP treatment' for prisoners
What's the story
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has said that the state government will not tolerate any illegal activities in jails after a video surfaced showing inmates at Bengaluru Central Jail throwing a party with liquor, fruits, and snacks. The footage shows inmates dancing and making music with utensils. This comes after previous incidents of VVIP treatment to high-profile prisoners, including ISIS recruiter Zuhaib Hameed Shakeel Manna and accused rapist-murderer Umesh Reddy, using mobile phones and watching television inside the prison.
Twitter Post
Videos showing inmates of Bengaluru Central Jail
Another master piece !!
— अखंड भारत 🪷🇮🇳 (@FlyingBees28) November 9, 2025
Alleged video from the Bengaluru central jail.
pic.twitter.com/1euLlPVzmr
Government action
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah promises investigation
In light of these incidents, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised a thorough investigation and a detailed report. Home Minister Parameshwara also demanded accountability, saying, "I will not tolerate this nonsense." He added that phones and other facilities should not be in anyone's hands inside the jail. The state government has approved installing CCTV cameras and mobile jammers in all prisons for better monitoring.
Committee formation
High-powered committee constituted to probe matter
A high-powered committee has been constituted to check all prisons across Karnataka. The panel will identify lapses in prison management and review the circumstances surrounding the videos. Preliminary findings indicate some videos are from 2023, while a few were filmed recently, the minister stated. Action is being considered against officials involved in these incidents, including potential dismissals. "We will take reports, and we also have some information; we will take suitable action as required," said Parameshwara.
Administrative action
Jail officials suspended, transferred
As part of immediate administrative action, Parappana Agrahara Central Prison Superintendent Maygeri and Assistant Superintendent Ashok Bajantri have been suspended. Chief Superintendent of Prisons K Suresh has also been transferred. The high-powered committee includes ADGP (Prisons) Hitendra and three other IPS officers to ensure a thorough investigation into these incidents.
Twitter Post
Social media post containing earlier videos
Undated videos have surfaced showing jail inmates using mobile phones and watching TV inside #Bengaluru’s #ParappanaAgrahara Central Jail. pic.twitter.com/pFZK4rMR6l
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) November 8, 2025