Sun Jan 04 07:23:48 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
On January 4, 2026, The Hindu reported that a surprise inspection at a central prison in Bengaluru, India, as part of the “Prison Reforms Awareness Campaign,” resulted in the seizure of five mobile phones, six SIM cards, a charger cable, and earphones. A case has been registered under the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act, 2022, against those involved in smuggling and using the contraband. Since November of the previous year, authorities have intensified crackdowns on prison contraband, leading to the registration of 24 FIRs and the recovery of a large number of mobile phones and SIM cards, revealing a significant issue of illegal communication within the prison.
News Article:
Bengaluru Prison Raid Uncovers Extensive Contraband Network
Bengaluru, January 4, 2026 – A surprise inspection at a central prison in Bengaluru on Saturday has exposed a widespread network of illegal communication operating within the facility. As part of the ongoing “Prison Reforms Awareness Campaign,” authorities seized five mobile phones, six SIM cards, one charger cable, and one earphone during a four-hour sweep of the prison premises.
The inspection, conducted between 12:20 p.m. and 4:20 p.m., led to the immediate registration of a case against individuals suspected of smuggling the prohibited items into the prison, those who aided them, and inmates who were using the banned devices. The case has been filed under Section 42 of the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act, 2022, along with other relevant charges.
“This seizure highlights the significant challenge we face in preventing contraband from entering our prisons,” stated a prison official. “We are committed to clamping down on these illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of the facility.”
Since November 2025, authorities have intensified efforts to combat prison contraband, resulting in the registration of 24 First Information Reports (FIRs). Between November 26, 2025, and January 4, 2026, a total of 126 mobile phones and 98 SIM cards have been recovered, underscoring the magnitude of the problem.