Bengaluru, Nov 9 – Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy slammed the “VIP treatment” given to notorious inmates inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. He said the issue isn’t limited to the jail; he claims even more dangerous terrorists are hiding in the state legislature’s Vidhana Soudha building.
In a high‑profile interview at the JD(S) State Office in JP Bhavan, Kumaraswamy called the practice “shameful.” He pointed out that jail staff are providing “royal treatment” to undertrials and convicted rapists, including the infamous serial killer Umesh Reddy. “The people of the state have been talking about this openly,” he said. “VIP treatment for terrorists in Parappana Agrahara is not a new problem.”
The minister recalled past clashes over the issue – senior IPS officers once fought over prison perks, and courts had even issued strict warnings to jail officials. Yet he says the same problems are resurfacing. “All sorts of facilities are being extended to those who have committed heinous crimes. This isn’t a new start,” he added.
Kumaraswamy criticized the state government, the Chief Minister (CM), and the Home Minister for repeated failures in prison management. He demanded that the media and public hold them accountable. “The CM says BJP leaders lack dignity. What dignity do they have?” he asked. “With such experience, is it right to take these matters lightly? They themselves are supporting wrong forces,” he argued.
When pressed to question a Home Minister resignation, the minister said it was not the era of ministers stepping down on a demand. “Which politician today has that level of morality?” he asked.
The controversy follows a wave of viral videos that surfaced last Saturday. The clips showed inmates using mobile phones and enjoying luxuries inside the central jail, raising security concerns. Reports also suggest that suspected Lashkar‑e‑Taiba members and other extremist operatives were seen communicating on smartphones – a potential national‑security threat.
The Supreme Court has previously ordered strict limits on inmate comforts, a directive highlighted during investigations into the fan murder case involving Kannada star Darshan. The court’s past rulings aimed to curb the luxury services that inmates can receive. The current scandal puts those orders in the spotlight once again.
Prison authorities face backlash from security agencies and the public over the safety breaches and alleged preferential treatment. The state’s next steps will determine whether the reforms to restrict illicit privileges in prisons hold firm.
Source: ianslive
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