Bengaluru: While Parappana Agrahara Central prison continues to be in the news for wrong reasons, here comes yet another case of violation of prison norms. It is learnt that a group of 20 lifers manage all the activities inside the prison
The group comprising convicts in murder and rape cases who are serving the term in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail run the show and even a leaf cannot move inside the jail without their knowledge.
These convicts are kept in a separate barrack equipped with all facilities. Every new entrant to the jail first has to see them and it is upon their direction the cell is allocated, a reliable source told Deccan Chronicle.
The group is so influential that even the allocation of duties and shifts to jail wardens are managed by them.
“Everything is dependent on how you behave with them. Acting rude in front of them would not only cost you your comfort, but also you are sure to get beatings from them. This happens in front of everyone. Nobody dares to question them,” the source added.
It is learnt that the group manages all the illegal activities inside the prison and gather money by roll call. "If any prisoner wanted to see their relatives, or wanted something from outside, he needs to first contact the group member and hand over them money. Everything comes at a price here," the source said.
And, this happens under the watch of jail supervisors and nothing is hidden from them.
Want good cell? Shell out more
According to a source, once the undertrials walk into the jail, they have to meet the gang members first. After financial negotiations, they would be provided with the cells.
“If one pays more, he would get good cell which would have additional luxuries including the gang's special attention and paying less or nothing means a normal cell and unfavorable treatment throughout his stay."
Vinay to probe prison scandal from Monday
The retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar, who is heading the fact-finding committee to look into allegations of irregularities and preferential treatment to jailed AIADMK leader V Sasikala and stamp paper scam kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi, will begin the probe from Monday.
The IAS officer on Saturday briefly visited the Parappana Agrahara Jail. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the officer to submit a preliminary report within a week and a comprehensive report in a month.
Undertrial’s dad dies, kin not allowed to meet him
The wife and sister-in-law of an undertrial prisoner, who had come to the Parappana Agrahara central prison to inform him about the demise of his father, were not permitted to meet him by the prison staff on Sunday morning.
The staff allowed them later after the incident was aired by TV channels.
It is alleged that the staff initially denied them the permission citing the ongoing developments for the last 2-3 days.
Rajanna, who hails from Tumakuru, was arrested by the Kodigehalli police in connection with a case recently. His father passed away in Tumakuru early Sunday. Thus, his wife Aruna and sister-in-law Prema had come to the prison on Sunday morning to inform him about the incident and take him to perform the last rites of his father.
However, the prison staff denied them permission citing that the condition within jail was not conducive in the wake of protests on Saturday evening. They also allegedly told the women to come after two days.
After waiting for nearly four hours, they approached the media-persons who were present near the jail. Once the news was telecast by TV channels, the prison authorities allowed them to meet Rajanna and convey the message.
