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The new videos came after Bengaluru Parappana Agrahara Central Jail was at the centre of a storm regarding high-risk inmates using mobile phones and TV in jail.
A new video showed inmates partying inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. (Photo: X)
Days after videos of an ISIS recruiter and a convicted rapist enjoying VIP privileges in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail created a storm, a new video has cast more light on shocking lapses inside the jail premises, showing inmates partying, dancing and consuming liquor.
The new video showed snacks and liquor bottles inside the jail and inmates dancing while others used plates and mugs as musical instruments. The video also showed inmates having access to several mobile phones.
From Bars to Bar Snacks Parappana Agrahara Becomes a Party Hub! 🕺Once again, Bengaluru’s so-called “high-security” Parappana Agrahara Central Jail is in the spotlight this time for all the wrong reasons. New videos have surfaced showing inmates partying, drinking booze,… pic.twitter.com/8ckC5PY8YW
— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) November 9, 2025
This came after the jail was at the centre of a storm as high-risk inmates – including Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, accused of recruiting youth for ISIS, and Umesh Reddy, accused of rape and murder – were seen using mobile phones, Smart TVs and enjoying what appeared to be VIP treatment inside.
The revelations triggered widespread concern and raised questions about oversight, internal collusion and systemic failure inside one of Karnataka’s most closely monitored prisons. Director General of Prisons B. Dayananda ordered a detailed inquiry and instructed officials to verify footage.
“It is being investigated how these prisoners obtained mobile phones, who brought the phones inside the prison, who handed them to the inmates, when the footage was recorded, who circulated it to the media, and so on,” said Additional Inspector General of Prisons, PV Anand Reddy, in a statement.
According to reports, Tarun Raju – an accused in a major gold smuggling racket – has been living a “carefree life” inside the jail, with access to a mobile phone and a television setup in his cell. Reddy is also seen in videos speaking on two Android phones, with sources claiming his cell had provisions to cook meals of his choice.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reacted to accusations of preferential treatment and assured strict action in the matter. “The DG of Prisons was on leave. I have called a meeting with the home minister. Those who have committed this mistake, serious action will be taken. Secondly, we will ensure this will not happen in the future,” he said.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
November 09, 2025, 23:41 IST
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