Following reports that a mobile phone was found in the Central Prison barrack housing former MP Prajwal Revanna, DIG of Prisons and Correctional Services Jinendra Khanagavi has initiated a probe into how the phone reached the barrack despite security arrangements. The CCB raid also led to the seizure of a pen drive and a notebook.

The investigation team has been directed to examine all aspects of the incident, including how the phone entered the prison, who supplied it, how long it was used, and whether prison officials or other personnel facilitated its use.

According to sources, the notebook allegedly contained several phone numbers, including those identified as belonging to Revanna’s family, as well as acquaintances. Investigators are examining the numbers and digital evidence retrieved from the mobile phone.

The incident has raised questions about security lapses at the prison. Despite repeated warnings about the use of outside SIM cards inside the facility, investigators have reportedly detected SIM cards issued in Andhra Pradesh being used inside the prison.

Following the incident, Prison Department DGP Alok Kumar directed Mr. Khanagavi to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and submit a report.

According to sources, the seized mobile phone had been in use since March, and investigators suspect that several more phones may have been smuggled into the prison and could still be operational. The probe is also examining allegations that prison officials may have facilitated access to the mobile phone in return for money.

Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur has already been suspended following the incident. According to officials, CCB personnel had earlier planned a raid but allegedly faced delays in gaining access to the prison premises. During this period, prison staff and inmates were reportedly alerted, raising concerns that some contraband could have been concealed.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge has said action will be taken against anyone found to have helped Revanna obtain or use the phone. He also said the investigation would establish who supplied the device and identify those responsible for any security breach.

Raids

Meanwhile, three mobile phones and two pen drives were recovered from the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison during separate searches.

According to a complaint filed by prison in-charge Superintendent B.R. Andani, prison officials conducted an unannounced search of Security Divisions 1, 2 and 3 between 11.30 p.m. on August 11 and 2 a.m. on August 12.

Following the recovery, an FIR was registered at the Parappana Agrahara police station.

DCP, Electronic City Division, M. Narayana, meanwhile, refuted reports that the seized devices contained pornographic or other objectionable videos and photographs.

Mr. Narayana also said investigators had noticed that a particular brand of Android phones was being used inside the prison despite the security arrangements and jamming systems. The police are examining whether certain devices can bypass the 3G/5G security jammers. They are planning to write to the mobile phone manufacturer seeking technical information.

Investigators are also probing a lead regarding the purchase of the phones from a particular shop to establish the chain through which the devices entered the prison.

The Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru has launched “Free Bird”, a new brand of premium ready-made linen shirts stitched by prison inmates as part of an ambitious rehabilitation and skill-development initiative.

The Prison Department has unveiled the brand, describing it as an effort to equip inmates with marketable vocational skills while creating products that can compete with leading apparel brands in quality and craftsmanship.

Training conducted

A select group of inmates underwent professional garment-stitching training conducted by HCL, a Delhi-based company, under a partnership with the department. The shirts are made from high-quality linen sourced from Surat and carry the Karnataka State emblem, Gandaberunda, as the brand’s insignia.

The inaugural batch of shirts received an encouraging response, with the prison staff purchasing the entire stock within minutes of its launch, said sources.

The initiative extends beyond apparel. Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Prison Department, the HCL will also train inmates in bakery production. The department plans to introduce bakery products in the open market alongside the “Free Bird” clothing line.

Mobile sales van

Director-General of Police (Prisons) Alok Kumar said, “The department is planning to deploy a mobile sales van to market the shirts and bakery products at selected locations across Bengaluru, helping build a wider customer base.”

Officials noted that the prison’s stitching unit had been operational in the past but was shut down nearly a decade ago. Its revival marks a renewed focus on rehabilitation through meaningful employment and skill development.

The long-term goal is to establish “Free Bird” as a recognised brand, demonstrating that correctional institutions can create opportunities for transformation by enabling inmates to learn, earn, and prepare for a productive life after their release.