Security Breach Exposed: Serial Rapist and Criminals Found Using Mobile Phones and Watching TV in Bengaluru Central Jail

An investigation is anticipated regarding the alleged unauthorized use of mobile devices and special privileges within the correctional facility.

Bengaluru:

Serious concerns about security breaches and preferential treatment at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central jail have emerged after footage revealed notorious inmates, including serial rapist and murderer Umesh Reddy, utilizing mobile phones and watching television while incarcerated.

One video shows Reddy, who was convicted for raping 20 women and murdering 18 between 1996 and 2022, using three mobile phones (two Android devices and one keypad phone) inside the prison – reportedly with the prison staff's knowledge. A television set is also visible in his quarters.

The Supreme Court had commuted Reddy's death sentence to 30 years imprisonment without remission in 2022. Initially given the death penalty, he later requested clemency, claiming mental illness. However, medical evaluations confirmed he was mentally sound.

Images have also surfaced of Tarun Raju, arrested in connection with the Ranya Rao gold smuggling operation, using a mobile phone and preparing food inside the prison.

Authorities apprehended Tarun during his attempt to escape to Geneva. He was identified as the key organizer of a gold smuggling network allegedly supplying gold from Dubai to Ranya Rao, the daughter of a high-ranking IPS officer.

Officials are expected to investigate the unauthorized use of mobile phones and special privileges within the correctional facility.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to investigate these incidents and take appropriate action.