BENGALURU: Amid raging Parappana Agrahara Central Prisons controversy, complaints of brutal assault on prisoners, including on their private parts, for disclosing information to former Deputy Inspector General of Police (Prisons), D Roopa, have surfaced.An inmate, who was shifted from Central Prisons, Parappana Agrahara, on the condition of anonymity, said: “During Roopa’s visit to the prison, many inmates complained to her about irregularities in sanctioning parole, favouritism towards few inmates and other problems. A section of inmates protested and jumped into the defence of the prison authorities, but we went ahead and shared our concerns.”
“After Roopa left, those who supported jail officials created ruckus inside the prison at around 6 pm. At around 8 pm, all the inmates, who had complained to Roopa, were singled out and put in single cells. At around 1.30 am, we were taken out and handcuffed. Officials, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, caned us mercilessly, kicked in our private parts and abused us using foul language,” the inmate told over phone.
Later, the inmates were divided into groups and sent to different prisons in the state. Inmates living in fear, want to be shifted back to Bengaluru prison.“Now, we fear serving our sentence in a prison where we do not know anybody. However, some inmates who are aware of the issue are helping us. I am suffering from a lot of pain, but thankfully prisoners here are taking care of me,” the shifted jail inmate said. Following the transfer orders of prison officials, two convicts, who have been shifted to different prisons in the state, have requested to be shifted back to Bengaluru prison. “We want to come back to Bengaluru prison as it is tough for our families to visit us here. We request the new officers taking charge to shift
us back to Bengaluru prison,” he said.
Shifted Convict Scared of Jail Superintendent
Last week, wife of Ramamurthy, one of the convicts who was shifted to Ballari Central Prison, met her husband. “I came to Ballari prison around 4 am in the morning to see my husband. It has been 16 long years that my husband is imprisoned and now they are beaten up for questioning the illegal acts,” said Anitha, who was carrying a three-year-old child.After visiting him, she alleged that her husband was beaten up brutally. “My husband told me that he is scared of jail Superintendent Krishna Kumar and will only return if he is transferred from the place,” she added.
Ramamurthy was shifted
last week from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison following the tussle between the two top brass.
According to sources, Krishna Kumar had filed a report with DGP (Prisons) that these inmates tried to assault police and based on it they were transferred to other prisons. However, one of the convicts denied the allegations and told that they were just targeted.
what HAPPENED in past 24 DAYS
June 23, 2017
Roopa takes charge
as DIG (Prisons).
July 10
She visits the Parappana Agrahara Central Prisons and finds a few irregularities, including preferential treatment being given to
some inmates.
July 11
DGP H N Sathyanarayana Rao summons her, seeks explanation on her visit to
the jail.
July 12
Roopa sends report with several allegations against jail officials, including her senior officer Rao.
July 12
Her five-page report is leaked to the media and next day Rao says her allegations are baseless.
July 13
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah orders high-level probe into the allegations. Government issues notice to Roopa on charges
of violation of service
conduct rules.
July 15
DGP Rao visits Central Prisons and meets junior officials. Inspects documents
and barracks.
An hour later
Roopa makes her second visit to the prison. Tension prevails on the premises as inmates divided into two groups .
July 16
Roopa sends second report to the DGP questioning his inability to act on the first report sent by her.
July 17
Government shunts
Roopa and Rao.