Bengaluru, November 10, 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government over reports that high-risk inmates at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru were allegedly enjoying unauthorised privileges, including access to mobile phones, televisions, and what appeared to be a “VVIP lifestyle.” The issue has sparked outrage and renewed debate over prison security and accountability in the state.

At a press conference in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla contrasted the party’s stance on law and order with that of the Congress. “This is the difference between the BJP and the Congress. One attacks terrorism, the other allows phones and celebrations for terrorists,” he said, accusing the state government of showing a “soft corner for terrorism.” Mocking the alleged lapses, Poonawalla added, “The Congress has introduced a new guarantee, turning prisons into party houses.”

Allegations of Unauthorized Privileges

Poonawalla presented video clips purportedly recorded inside the Bengaluru central jail. One video allegedly showed Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, identified as an ISIS recruiter, using a mobile phone. “Such terrorists should be isolated in high-security cells. Instead, he is using a phone, contacting the outside world, and continuing his recruitment work from inside the jail,” he claimed.

Another clip purportedly showed convicted serial rapist Umesh Reddy with a mobile phone in hand and a television in the background. Poonawalla also alleged that inmates were being served their preferred meals and, in a third video, were “partying” inside the jail with food and alcohol.

The BJP demanded accountability from the state leadership, asking pointedly whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara would resign. “Such VIP privileges cannot exist without the state government’s knowledge. Will Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership take action, or is this a new guarantee: VIP treatment for prisoners?” Poonawalla questioned.

Government Response

In response to the controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged that the issue had come to the government’s attention and promised stringent measures. “The matter of luxurious facilities being provided to prisoners in Parappana Agrahara has come to the attention of our government. The concerned officials were on leave. The home minister has called a meeting tomorrow. Strict action will be taken against those who have erred, and measures will be implemented to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” he said on November 9.

Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified that some of the videos circulating were old, dating back to 2023, with photos from three to four months ago. He emphasized that a high-level committee had been established to review the prison’s functioning and that corrective action was already underway. “The chief superintendent has been transferred, and for the first time, an IPS officer has been appointed to head Parappana Agrahara Prison,” he added.

Background and Implications

The incident has reignited concerns over security protocols in high-risk prisons, particularly for inmates involved in terrorism and serious crimes. Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, one of the largest in Karnataka, houses a mix of high-profile criminals, including terrorist operatives and violent offenders. Allegations of unauthorized access to communication devices and other privileges have raised questions about administrative oversight and systemic weaknesses.

While the BJP has criticized the Congress government for allegedly turning prisons into centers of privilege, the state administration maintains that procedural lapses and outdated footage have been misconstrued. The high-level committee tasked with reviewing the prison’s functioning is expected to assess all security measures, operational gaps, and staff accountability.

The case also underscores the political dimension of law-and-order issues in Karnataka, with parties using prison management lapses to highlight governance failures. The BJP’s public criticism reflects a broader strategy to emphasize law enforcement and anti-terrorism credentials, while the Congress focuses on asserting administrative corrective measures.

Moving Forward

Authorities have pledged to tighten prison security, improve monitoring of high-risk inmates, and enforce stricter adherence to rules governing prisoner conduct. Meanwhile, the political debate is likely to continue, with both parties seeking to influence public perception on safety and governance.

As the inquiry unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring that prisons operate under strict regulations and that inmates, regardless of their profile, cannot exploit systemic weaknesses to gain unauthorized privileges.