BENGALURU, 15 APRIL

The Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, notorious for housing high-profile inmates and repeated security breaches, has landed in controversy once again—this time over a murder accused allegedly using a phone from within the jail to threaten his own family for nearly two years..

Sujay Bhargav, jailed since 2019 for the murder of Tumakuru’s former mayor, is said to have repeatedly called his uncle, Surya Narayana, pressuring him to transfer ownership of a textile shop.

In one of the recorded calls submitted to authorities, Sujay allegedly warned: “You have kids, do not forget. Wait and watch what I can do to you and your family. I’m already branded as a criminal and will continue to be one. But you have a lot to lose. No police can help you.”

The threats have reportedly escalated over the past two years, despite repeated police assurances.

“Earlier, he would call every few months. Now he’s threatening to burn down my shop and harm my family more frequently,” said Surya Narayana, speaking to Salar News.

The incident throws fresh light on persistent security failures at Parappana Agrahara, which has often made headlines for unauthorised phone use, contraband smuggling, and VIP treatment of inmates.

In 2024, viral photos showed murder accused and Kannada actor Darshan inside the prison, drinking coffee and smoking with his manager Nagaraj and rowdy-sheeter Wilson Garden Naga. Despite public outrage, no action was taken against jail officials.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Bill, 2022, prescribes 3 to 5 years’ imprisonment for possession or use of phones within prison premises. Yet, enforcement appears lax, rendering the law ineffective.

Phone jammers were installed at the prison, but they were so powerful that residents living nearby complained of poor signal, while inmates continued to use phones undeterred.

Former Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar told Salar News: “There is no political will to curb this, which is why it keeps happening. Everyone from jail officers to the Central Industrial Security Force may be in cahoots. Until there is iron-handed action—criminal prosecution of both inmates and complicit officers—this will remain just another piece of news.”

He also called for top-down accountability: “The Home Minister must hold the DGP (Prisons) responsible. If criminals can run rackets from jail and threaten citizens, what hope is there for justice outside?” Furthermore, insiders allege that a thriving black market exists inside the prison, offering everything from narcotics to smartphones.