BENGALURU: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said he has sought a report from the DGP (prisons) on prisoners at Bengaluru Central Jail enjoying special facilities illegally and promised strict action against those responsible for the lapse.
Recently, a video clip showed a rowdy-sheeter enjoying all the comforts of life in jail and this has left netizens fuming. "I'll personally monitor the issue from now on," the CM said.
In Shivamogga, home minister Araga Jnanendra said he has ordered a probe into the circumstances in which the rowdy-sheeter got the special facilities. "I'm pained by such incidents. I won't sit quiet. I will act and prove that I walk the talk," he said.
The minister admitted that such incidents are being reported from prisons for several years despite the home department taking tough surveillance measures. "A couple of months ago, I had held a review meeting with the prison officials and instructed them to curb such practices," he said.
He claimed that that officials have informed him that the incident in question took place before he took charge of the home department. Bommai had held the portfolio earlier.
The minister said similar complaints have come from his home district Shivamogga. "Regardless of our measures, some miscreants try to break the law. I've instructed senior officials to install jammers to prevent prisoners from making phone calls and restrict entry into the cells where accused in high-profile cases are housed," he said.
Replying to a query on alleged corrupt practices during the police sub-inspector's exam and selection, the minister said he will help the candidates get justice. He said some candidates who used Bluetooth devices during the exam have been arrested. "Though there are complaints of irregularities despite my intervention, I've faith in the system and will monitor the process closely," he said.
