Probe Ordered After Mobile Phone Found in Prajwal Revanna’s Prison Cell
Authorities have initiated an investigation following the recovery of a mobile phone, a notebook, and a pen drive from the Central Prison barrack housing former MP Prajwal Revanna at Parappana Agrahara in Bengaluru. The incident has led to official suspensions and a broader inquiry into prison security lapses.
What Happened
Following reports of contraband inside the facility, DIG of Prisons and Correctional Services Jinendra Khanagavi launched an inquiry on the instructions of Prison Department DGP Alok Kumar. A raid conducted by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) resulted in the seizure of a mobile phone, a pen drive, and a notebook containing contact numbers of family members and acquaintances from the barrack.
Sources indicate the seized phone had been active since March. Investigators also found evidence of SIM cards registered in Andhra Pradesh operating inside the prison complex. Following these findings, Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur was placed under suspension amid allegations that staff members may have assisted in providing access to the phone in exchange for money.
In separate unannounced searches conducted between 11:30 p.m. on August 11 and 2:00 a.m. on August 12 across Security Divisions 1, 2, and 3, officials seized an additional three mobile phones and two pen drives, leading to a First Information Report (FIR) at the Parappana Agrahara police station.
Key Highlights
- Contraband Seized: A mobile phone, pen drive, and notebook containing phone numbers were seized from Prajwal Revanna’s barrack.
- Official Action: Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur has been suspended, and DIG Jinendra Khanagavi has been directed to submit an inquiry report.
- Security Concerns: Investigators found outside SIM cards from Andhra Pradesh and are investigating whether certain Android models bypass 3G/5G mobile jammers.
- Raid Delays: CCB personnel reportedly encountered delays when entering the prison premises during initial search attempts.
- Additional Confiscations: A separate overnight search across three security divisions yielded three more mobile phones and two pen drives.
Why This Matters
The discovery points to breaches in surveillance and jamming protocols within the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. The presence of functional mobile devices and out-of-state SIM cards highlights ongoing challenges in preventing unauthorized communications within high-security facilities.
What to Watch Next
DGP Alok Kumar has directed DIG Khanagavi to submit a comprehensive inquiry report addressing how the phone entered the barrack and whether personnel facilitated the act. In addition, police authorities plan to contact the relevant mobile phone manufacturer regarding jammer bypass capabilities and are investigating the specific retail shop where the devices were procured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items were recovered from Prajwal Revanna’s barrack?
Authorities recovered a mobile phone, a pen drive, and a notebook containing several phone numbers belonging to family members and acquaintances.
Who is conducting the investigation into the security breach?
DIG of Prisons and Correctional Services Jinendra Khanagavi is heading the inquiry under the direction of Prison Department DGP Alok Kumar.
Were any prison officials penalised after the discovery?
Yes, Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur was suspended as investigators examine whether prison staff facilitated access to the device.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.