Cigarettes, liquor and phones inside jail; inmates stage hunger strike after authorities tighten surveillance

BENGALURU: A group of prisoners inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru staged a hunger strike after the jail authorities tightened surveillance in response to reports of illegal activities inside the prison.

Videos had earlier surfaced showing inmates using mobile phones, consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and even holding parties inside the jail. After the controversy, several jail staff were transferred or suspended.

The state government had promised strict action to stop such activities inside prisons. Surveillance was increased to prevent the entry of alcohol, cigarettes, and other banned items. This led to dissatisfaction among the inmates.

The prisoners then began a three-day hunger strike. The protest ended after jail authorities warned that strong action would be taken if they continued to refuse food.

“During a recent inspection, around 50 mobile phones were seized from the prison. Measures have been taken to stop such items from entering. Surveillance has been tightened. The inmates demanded that beedis and cigarettes be allowed again. When this was denied, a group of prisoners held a sit-in protest in front of the administrative block. The protest ended when they realised that strict action would follow. Police were kept on alert the whole time. We have identified those who led the protest and issued them strong warnings,” the jail authorities said.