Leaked videos show terror recruiter, murder convict using phones inside Bengaluru’s top-security jail

A string of videos showing high-risk inmates at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail freely using mobile phones and watching television has triggered a major inquiry into alleged security breaches and preferential treatment within one of Karnataka’s most closely monitored prisons.

The footage — now circulating widely on social media — captures several notorious inmates, including Telugu actor Tarun, an accused in the Ranya Rao gold-smuggling case; ISIS recruiter Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna; and serial rapist-killer Umesh Reddy, using phones or watching TV inside their cells.

Prison authorities on November 8 confirmed that an internal investigation has been ordered to verify the authenticity of the videos and identify those responsible for the blatant violations.

This is not the first time Parappana Agrahara, home to several high-risk offenders, has faced public scrutiny. In October, a video emerged of rowdy-sheeter Srinivas alias Gubbachi Seena celebrating his birthday inside the jail—cutting a cake, wearing an apple garland, and posing as fellow inmates filmed the event on mobile phones.

The string of incidents follows an earlier controversy last year, when a photo of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, surfaced. The image showed Darshan lounging on a chair with a cigarette and coffee mug, appearing to receive VIP-style privileges while conversing with history-sheeter Wilson Garden Naga.

Home Minister promises firm action

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara said the repeated violations expose a systemic failure and promised stringent action.

“Such things cannot be tolerated. If this continues, it cannot be called a jail anymore,” he said, adding that he has sought a detailed report and will convene a high-level meeting to address the security lapses.

He warned that if the report is unsatisfactory, a separate committee will be constituted, and further inquiries will be initiated. “No one—whether a terrorist or anyone else—should have access to a phone,” he emphasised.

Parmeshwar noted that disciplinary action, including suspension of officers, has been taken in similar cases in the past. He said ADGP (Prisons) B. Dayanand has been instructed to investigate and submit a report at the earliest.

The minister added that even if some of the videos are old, “such incidents should never take place,” underscoring persistent concerns over oversight, accountability, and systemic vulnerabilities inside the state’s largest prison.