Sat Nov 08 15:39:29 UTC 2025: Summary:

A new video has surfaced showing inmates at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, including notorious serial rapist Umesh Reddy and other high-profile convicts, allegedly using mobile phones and watching television inside their cells. The authenticity of the videos, which have gone viral on social media, is yet to be confirmed by prison officials. However, the allegations of inmates, including a suspected ISIS operative, freely accessing contraband have sparked outrage and raised serious questions about security lapses within the Karnataka prison system. Chief Minister Siddarmaiah said he was unaware of the videos and would investigate.

News Article:

Bengaluru Prison Faces Scrutiny After Viral Videos Show Inmates Allegedly Using Phones, Watching TV

Bengaluru, November 8, 2025 – The Karnataka prison system is under fire after videos surfaced online purportedly showing inmates at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru enjoying unauthorized privileges. The videos allegedly depict inmates, including convicted serial rapist Umesh Reddy, using mobile phones and watching television from inside their cells.

The authenticity and timestamp of the videos remain unconfirmed by prison officials. However, their circulation on social media has ignited public outrage and raised serious concerns about security breaches within the prison. The videos reportedly also show Tarun Raju, accused in a gold smuggling case, using a mobile phone and cooking inside the prison, along with Juhad Hameed Shakeel, allegedly a wanted ISIS operative, enjoying access to a smartphone.

Umesh Reddy, who terrorized women in the late 1990s and early 2000s, had his death sentence commuted to a 30-year prison term without remission by the Supreme Court in 2022. Now, he is seen in the videos.

Local residents have also complained about the disruption of their mobile signals due to the prison’s network jammers, a stark contrast to the alleged phone use by inmates.

When questioned about the videos, Chief Minister Siddarmaiah stated he was unaware of the situation and promised to inquire with the relevant authorities. The allegations are likely to prompt a thorough investigation into the prison’s security protocols and potential staff negligence.

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