BENGALURU: The inquiry into the alleged corruption and maladministration at the central prison at Parappana Agrahara got off to a start on Wednesday with the committee, headed by retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar, inspecting the correctional facility.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) D Roopa had opened a can of worms recently when she alleged in her report to the DGP (Prisons) that AIADMK leader V K Sasikala, who is serving term in a disproportionate assets case, had been provided a separate kitchen facility. She had also said that fake stamp paper scam kingpin Abdul Kareem Telgi had been provided assistants though he was healthy.
On his first visit to the central prison after the probe was orderded,
Vinay Kumar visited the cells of Sasikala, Telgi, the women’s barracks and the CCTV control room. He also questioned prison Deputy Superintendent Anitha Rai about the functioning and the prevailing situation in the prison, sources said.“Vinay Kumar also spoke to a few convicts regarding the happenings in the prison and took note of it. He also inspected the kitchen and other facilities inside the prison,” sources said.
The sources added that Vinay Kumar is probing only the allegations levelled by Roopa and the assault on inmates that has come to light. As per the government’s orders, Vinay Kumar has to submit a preliminary report by this weekend and a completed report within 25 days.
Addressing the media, Vinay Kumar said, “There are two things which I cannot disclose. I cannot share in which direction the probe is heading and when it will be completed. As soon as I complete the report, the information will be shared with the Home department, chief minister and later the media. If necessary, I will visit the jail again. We have started preliminary investigations.”Mysuru central jail chief superintendent V Anand Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police (crime), Bengaluru, S Ravi and other officials accompanied Vinay Kumar.
The Damning Report
A report by DIG Roopa D, addressed to the DG&IGP and DGP (Prisons) contains remarks against several prison officials for violating rules by providing additional facilities to some inmates.
Multi-crore fake stamp paper scam kingpn Abdul Kareem Telgi was provided an assistant for moving around in a wheelchair. Now, Telgi can walk without any help. But 3-4 inmates were seen massaging his legs and body.
AIADMK (Amma) leader V K Sasikala was provided a kitchen in her barrack in violation of norms. Roopa alleged that a superior officer was bribed D2 crore to provide the facility.
Convicts are allowed inside the records room where documents related to undertrails are stored. Documents which are supposed to be produced before court are being stolen.
Some inmates insist that doctors shift them to a hospital outside though they are healthy. If doctors refuse, they are threatened with dire consequences.
Convicts are allowed in the medical store inside the prison from where many have stolen sleeping pills which is supplied among the inmates.
