Mobile Phone Found in Former MP Prajwal Revanna's Prison Cell, Official Suspended
A mobile phone was discovered in the cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru. The incident has led to the suspension of an assistant superintendent and prompted an investigation into security lapses.
Key takeaways
- A mobile phone was discovered in the prison cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence for rape.
- The discovery was made by CCB officials during a surprise inspection at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison on August 11.
- An assistant superintendent has been suspended for dereliction of duty, and an investigation is ongoing.
- The phone contained social media and streaming applications.
A mobile phone was found in the possession of Prajwal Revanna, a former Member of Parliament for the Hassan constituency, at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Revanna is currently serving a life sentence for rape.
The device was discovered on the afternoon of August 11 during an inspection by Central Crime Branch (CCB) officials. The phone was located in the barrack shared by Revanna and another prisoner, Prathap Rai. The discovery has raised concerns about how a prohibited electronic device entered the high-security facility.
An investigation is underway to determine how the phone was introduced into the prison. A complaint has been filed at the Parappana Agrahara police station, leading to the registration of an FIR. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the prison's security and surveillance protocols, amid past allegations of special treatment for influential inmates.
What Happened
During a surprise search on August 11, CCB officials found a light-blue Redmi 5G mobile phone, a charger, a pen drive, and a notebook in a cell occupied by Prajwal Revanna and undertrial prisoner Prathap Rai. Both prisoners reportedly claimed occasional use of the phone to contact relatives and a lawyer. The phone contained applications including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, and Prime Video.
Key Facts
- A mobile phone was found in the barrack of former MP Prajwal Revanna at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, Bengaluru.
- The discovery occurred during a CCB inspection on the afternoon of August 11.
- Revanna is serving a life sentence for rape.
- Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur was suspended for dereliction of duty.
- A show cause notice was issued to the Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Central Prison.
- An FIR was registered at Parappana Agrahara Police Station under relevant sections of the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The seized items included a Redmi 5G mobile phone, charger, pen drive, and notebook.
- Prathap Rai, an undertrial prisoner sharing the cell, claimed ownership of the phone, charger, and pen drive.
- Revanna claimed ownership of the notebook and stated he borrowed the phone from Rai.
- The phone had applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, and Prime Video.
Background
Prajwal Revanna, formerly the MP for Hassan, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in a sexual assault case. Previous allegations of VIP treatment at Parappana Agrahara prison have been reported.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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