ISIS recruiter, murder convict found using mobile phones, watching TV in Bengaluru prison

Serious allegations of security breaches and special treatment have surfaced at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail after videos showed high-profile inmates using mobile phones and watching television inside the prison.

The videos, which recently went viral on social media, appear to feature Telugu actor Tarun — accused in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case — Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, an alleged ISIS recruiter, and Umesh Reddy, a convicted serial rapist and murderer. The inmates are reportedly seen using mobile phones and enjoying television access within their cells.

The revelations have triggered widespread criticism and raised questions over the functioning of the prison administration. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he has convened a high-level meeting to review the incident and assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible.

Prison officials have launched an internal probe to confirm the authenticity of the footage and identify those who facilitated the violations. “Appropriate action will be taken once the investigation is complete,” a senior official told PTI.