A contraband Android smartphone was seized from the prison cell of former Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna during an unannounced search operation conducted by the Central Crime Branch at the high-security Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru. Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar confirmed the recovery on Wednesday, initiating a major inquiry into security lapses at the prison complex. Following the incident, immediate disciplinary measures have been enforced against prison staff found negligent on duty.
Five-Hour Intensive Search Operation
DGP Alok Kumar detailed that the Central Crime Branch carried out a targeted raid on Tuesday afternoon spanning four to five hours. The extensive search operation focused on barracks housing high-profile inmates as well as other prisoners inside the high-security facility. It was during this thorough inspection that officers uncovered the active Android device inside Revanna's cell.
Following the contraband recovery, the Central Crime Branch lodged a formal complaint at the Parappana Agrahara police station. Authorities confirmed that the process of registering a formal First Information Report is underway, while investigators work to trace how the electronic device bypassed multiple security checkpoints to enter the barrack.
Suspension of Assistant Superintendent and Show-Cause Notice
Taking swift administrative action over the breach, Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur was suspended from service for dereliction of duty. The suspension decision was executed following a detailed review report submitted by the Director General of Police (South). Additionally, a formal show-cause notice has been issued to the Superintendent of Bengaluru Central Jail regarding the administrative breakdown.
Prison authorities disclosed that an earlier search had been conducted in Revanna's barrack on August 6, during which no prohibited items were discovered. Similarly, a subsequent inspection carried out on August 11 yielded no further illicit contraband. Senior officials affirmed that a comprehensive investigation remains actively in progress to identify all personnel involved in the security lapse.
Background and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Prajwal Revanna previously served in the Lok Sabha representing the Hassan constituency from 2019 to 2024. He was taken into custody in May 2024 in connection with multiple allegations of sexual harassment. Subsequently, after being convicted in a rape case, a special court in Bengaluru sentenced him to life imprisonment in August 2025. He has since been serving his life sentence inside Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.
Investigating agencies and police teams remain highly active on the case. Questioning of Revanna is currently ongoing as law enforcement authorities attempt to determine who facilitated the illegal supply of the mobile phone inside the prison quarters.
