Row over ‘VIP treatment’ at Bengaluru prison: Chief Prison Superintendent transferred, two others suspended

Following allegations of ‘VIP treatment’ being extended to some inmates at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, the State government on Monday (November 10, 2025) transferred Chief Superintendent of Prisons K. Suresh, while two junior officials were suspended.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that for the first time, Bengaluru Central Jail will be overseen by an IPS officer to ensure strict supervision and accountability.

Addressing reporters after a high-level review meeting, Dr. Parameshwara said that two other officials had also been suspended in connection with the incident.

“The Superintendent of Prisons, Imam Sab Myageri, along with Assistant Superintendent Ashok Bhajantri have been suspended with immediate effect,” he said.

Earlier, Dr. Parameshara had said that such activities in the prison would not be tolerated and the head of prisons will be held accountable. The Home Department sought explanation from the officials and the response was not satisfactory, hence action was taken, he added.

Suspending officials for negligence and dereliction of duty, he said there should be serious measures to contain this, which has been discussed.

BJP protest

Meanwhile, the controversy triggered strong political reactions. Senior BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, were detained by police on November 10 after they staged a protest against the alleged VIP treatment in state prisons.

Police detained the leaders near Race Course Road, where they were planning to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. “The detention was made to prevent a potential law and order issue,” officials said.

The issue resurfaced last week after new videos emerged showing notorious inmates, including serial rapist Umesh Reddy and terror suspect Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, allegedly using smartphones and receiving preferential treatment inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Another video purportedly showed inmates consuming alcohol and dancing within the prison premises, prompting widespread outrage and calls for reform.

The NIA, taking cognizance of this issue, has written to the Home Department seeking explanation on how a terror suspect accessed phone while in the judicial custody.