Mysuru: Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, conducted a surprise inspection of Mysuru Central Prison on Friday, reviewing the facility and its barracks and interacting with inmates.
During the inspection, no mobile phones were found inside the prison. However, Kumar said mobile signals were detected in certain parts of the premises and stressed the need to install signal jammers at the earliest.
Mobile Phone Security Under Scrutiny
The inspection comes amid concerns over the use of unauthorised mobile phones inside Karnataka prisons. Kumar warned inmates and others against possessing or facilitating the use of mobile phones in prisons, noting that such activities are illegal and can invite action.
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“I will not say that there are no mobile phones in the prison. But necessary steps are being taken to bring the situation under control,” he said.
Key points from the inspection:
- Mobile signals were detected in some parts of Mysuru Central Prison.
- No mobile phones were found during Friday’s inspection.
- Kumar called for signal jammers to be installed at the earliest.
- Prison authorities are continuing efforts to prevent unauthorised phones and SIM cards from entering correctional facilities.
Around 300 Phones Seized at Bengaluru Prison
Kumar also referred to the ongoing problem at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, where around 300 mobile phones have been seized over the past eight months. Authorities suspect that some unauthorised devices may still be inside the prison and are taking steps to trace them.
He said prison authorities face difficulties in screening everyone entering correctional facilities, with nearly 200 people entering prisons every day. In some cases, mobile phones and SIM cards have allegedly been smuggled in by concealing them on the body.
Kumar also declined to comment in detail on the recovery of a mobile phone from the cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, saying the matter is under investigation.
About the Inspection
According to prison officials, Kumar entered Mysuru Central Prison at around 11:55 am and inspected the premises for nearly an hour.
The inspection is part of efforts to strengthen security inside Karnataka’s correctional facilities and curb the unauthorised use of mobile communication devices.
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