Karnataka’s Kalaburagi Jail is under scrutiny after videos circulating on social media revealed inmates enjoying VIP treatment. The footage, yet to be independently verified, shows prisoners with easy access to smartphones and marijuana. One video showed an inmate making a video call, while others could be seen taking selfies and smoking marijuana.
Malini Krishnamurthy, Director General of Police (DGP) in charge of state prisons, has promised a thorough investigation into the matter, as reported by NDTV. A preliminary inquiry has been ordered, she stated, acknowledging that such incidents have surfaced with increasing frequency.
Director-General of Police (Prison and Correctional Services) Malini Krishnamurthy made an unscheduled visit to the jail on Tuesday, a day after the video went viral, according to a report on The Hindu.
Suspecting that prison inmates are enjoying a lavish lifestyle, Krishnamurthy instructed the newly appointed Chief Superintendent of Jail to carry out a detailed investigation and submit a report within 10 days.
This controversy follows a recent similar incident involving actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who was accused of receiving VIP treatment in Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara prison. His personal assistant, Nagaraj, was subsequently transferred to Kalaburagi Jail when Darshan was moved to Ballari. The DGP Prisons visited Kalaburagi Jail to assess the situation firsthand following the latest revelations.
In the photograph, the actor appeared relaxed, seated on a chair, holding a cigarette and a coffee mug. A video allegedly showing Darshan video calling someone from prison has also surfaced on social media. In response, Karnataka Police have formed three teams to investigate the allegations of 'VIP treatment'. Meanwhile, the investigation continues into the actor’s interactions with the people including how they arranged for him to sit on the lawn outside the barrack.
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