Probe Ordered After Reports Of Bengaluru Inmates Using Phones, Watching TV In Jail

Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison has come under the spotlight after viral videos showing inmates enjoying luxuries far beyond standard prison norms surfaced on social media.

Director General of Prisons B Dayananda has ordered a detailed inquiry into the videos, stating that instructions have been issued to verify the footage allegedly featuring high-profile inmates Umesh Reddy and Tarun Raju.

According to reports, Tarun Raju, an accused in the massive gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, is reportedly leading a “carefree life” inside the jail.

Raju has allegedly been provided with a mobile phone and a television setup in his cell, enabling him to enjoy privileges prohibited under prison regulations.

Another inmate,

Umesh Reddy, facing multiple charges of sexual offences, is also reportedly living in comfort.

Viral videos show him speaking over two Android phones from inside the jail.

Sources suggest Reddy’s cell is equipped with a television, and he has access to facilities that allow him to cook food of his choice, in clear violation of jail rules.

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 4 this year after officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 127.3 kilograms of smuggled gold at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.

While she was initially granted bail, her release was blocked following the invocation of the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act by the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) on the DRI’s recommendation.

In September this year, the DRI issued a show-cause notice to Ranya Rao, demanding payment of Rs 102.55 crore as a penalty for smuggling 127.3 kilograms of gold. Tarun Raju was directed to pay Rs 62 crore for allegedly smuggling 67.6 kilograms of gold, while Sahil Jain and Bharat Jain were each asked to pay Rs 53 crore for their roles in smuggling 63.61 kilograms of gold.

Officials warned that if these penalties are not paid, the accused persons’ properties may be attached and recovered.

Earlier, in July, the DRI Advisory Board upheld the invocation of COFEPOSA against Ranya Rao, directing that no bail plea be entertained for one year from the date of her arrest.

A petition challenging the Act’s imposition was heard by the Karnataka High Court, which adjourned the matter to September 11.

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