On November 10, 2025, the Karnataka government announced the formation of a high-powered committee to review the functioning, administration, and security of prisons across the state. This decision follows recent reports highlighting illegal activities and preferential treatment within the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, one of Karnataka’s largest correctional facilities. The move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing serious concerns about prison management and ensuring strict accountability.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara, speaking to the media after a review meeting with senior officials from the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, clarified that some of the videos exposing irregularities inside the prison were recorded in 2023, while only a few were recent. He emphasized that authorities had identified the personnel in charge during those periods and had already sought explanations from them. This highlights the government’s intent to investigate not only current lapses but also those that may have occurred in the recent past, emphasizing a no-tolerance approach to negligence or corruption.
The newly constituted committee will be led by Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Hitendra, with Inspector-General of Police Sandeep Patil and Superintendents of Police Amarnath Reddy and Rishyanth as key members. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from various districts will also serve as associate members. This diverse and experienced composition is intended to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the prison system statewide, rather than focusing solely on Parappana Agrahara. The committee has been tasked with inspecting all prisons in Karnataka and submitting a comprehensive report within a month. Based on its findings, the government has pledged to take strict action, including suspension or dismissal, against all officials found responsible for any lapses or misconduct.
One of the critical areas under scrutiny is the security infrastructure within prisons. The committee’s terms of reference include investigating malfunctioning CCTV cameras and other security failures that may have allowed illegal activities to take place undetected. Importantly, the government has committed to making the committee’s report public, signaling transparency and accountability in addressing these issues.
In an effort to strengthen prison surveillance, Home Minister Parameshwara announced plans to link all prisons in the state to a centralized command center located at the Prisons Headquarters. This facility will monitor CCTV footage in real time under the supervision of senior officers, including the Director-General and Additional Director-General of Police (Prisons). This centralized approach aims to improve oversight and rapid response to any incidents within prison premises.
Further technical audits will be conducted across all prisons to assess the functionality of CCTV systems and other security technologies. A special technical team will address ongoing network issues, particularly in areas where mobile phone signals are still accessible despite the installation of signal jammers. The government’s goal is to ensure that no mobile phones operate inside prisons, thereby curtailing unauthorized communication that could facilitate illegal activities or influence events outside the prison walls.
To bolster security and monitoring capabilities, the government has approved a budget allocation of ₹2 crore for new CCTV installations and ₹15 crore for erecting 10 new signal-blocking towers. Tenders for these projects will be floated shortly, indicating that these improvements will be implemented swiftly. Additionally, the number of technical devices such as baggage scanners will be doubled to enhance checks on visitors and deliveries to prisoners.
Recognizing the importance of effective staffing, the government has ordered immediate transfers of all prison officers who have served more than five years in the same post. This move is intended to prevent complacency and reduce the risk of collusion or corruption. Furthermore, to address staff shortages, recruitment has been approved for 197 warders, 22 instructors, and three assistant superintendents. Proposals are also under consideration for hiring an additional 983 warders and 17 jailers. These measures highlight the government’s focus on strengthening the human resource capacity of the prison system to maintain order and security.
Minister Parameshwara issued a stern warning that no excuses would be accepted for future lapses, regardless of whether the incidents are old or new. He stressed that officials on duty during any violations will be held accountable. This message underscores the government’s commitment to enforce discipline and responsibility at every level within the prison administration.
Accountability will extend beyond frontline staff. Supervisory officers will be responsible for the conduct of their subordinates, and all prison superintendents and officers are required to maintain direct contact with headquarters. Senior officials will be mandated to visit prisons at least once or twice per month to