Mobile phone found in Prajwal Revanna’s barrack at B’luru Central Jail; Officer suspended

Bengaluru:A mobile phone was found in the barrack of former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in connection with a rape and sex video case, during a six-hour search operation conducted by Central Crime Branch (CCB) officials

Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and son of JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna.

The raid on Tuesday, which covered the barracks of high-profile prisoners, including actor Darshan, his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, Prajwal Revanna and others, reportedly led to the recovery of around 10 mobile phones along with chargers and a pen drive.

The recovery of a mobile phone from Prajwal’s barrack has raised fresh questions over security arrangements and alleged VIP treatment of influential prisoners inside the high-security prison.

The Android mobile phone was reportedly found hidden under Prajwal Revanna’s bed. The barrack housed Prajwal and another convict, Pratap Rai. Following the recovery, the Parappana Agrahara police registered an FIR and began an investigation into how the prohibited device entered the prison and who had been using it.

Pratap Rai has been named as accused No. 1 and Prajwal Revanna as accused No. 2 in the case. Police are investigating whether the mobile phone was being used by Prajwal or Rai.

The CCB conducted searches for nearly six hours as part of the operation, inspecting the barracks of several VIP prisoners. The searches were carried out amid concerns over the availability of prohibited items inside the prison.

Following the incident, DGP Alok Kumar ordered disciplinary action against prison officials. Assistant Superintendent Eeranna Rangapur was suspended for alleged dereliction of duty. A show-cause notice was also issued to Jail Superintendent Anshu Kumar seeking an explanation for the security lapses.

Officials have also raised concerns about Prajwal allegedly not wearing the prescribed white prison uniform. The latest recovery of a mobile phone has added to questions about whether special facilities were being extended to him while he was serving his sentence.

The incident comes days after prison authorities conducted searches in the barracks on August 6, when no mobile phone was reportedly found in Prajwal’s possession. Following Tuesday’s recovery, officials have been directed to establish how the phone reached his barrack and who supplied it.

The authorities have also reportedly warned that Prajwal could be shifted to another barrack if the source of the mobile phone is not established.

The recovery has once again put the spotlight on security and surveillance inside Bengaluru Central Prison, which has previously faced allegations of providing preferential treatment to high-profile inmates.

IANS