Rape Convict Prajwal Revanna Found With Phone in Bengaluru Prison, Officials Face Action

Former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence following his conviction in a rape case, was allegedly found with a mobile phone inside Bengaluru's central prison, prompting disciplinary action against jail officials. According to sources, Crime Branch personnel discovered Revanna using the phone during a surprise inspection at the prison. A case has been registered, and authorities are investigating how the device entered the facility.

Following the discovery, Jail Assistant Superintendent Eeranna Rangapur was suspended for alleged lapses in security and supervision. Jail Superintendent Ansuch Kumar has also been served a show-cause notice and asked to explain the security lapses surrounding Revanna's cell. The action comes as authorities examine whether prison procedures were violated and whether any officials or individuals assisted in bringing the prohibited device inside the facility.

Revanna was sentenced to life imprisonment last year after being convicted in a rape case involving a 48-year-old woman who had worked as domestic help at his family's farmhouse in Hassan district. He was also convicted of intimidating the woman and circulating videos related to the sexual assault. The case drew widespread attention after allegations emerged that Revanna had repeatedly assaulted the woman and recorded the acts.

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The former MP left for Germany after videos connected to the case became public and was later suspended by the JD(S). He lost the 2024 Lok Sabha election and was arrested after returning to India. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and nephew of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, has remained in prison while serving his sentence following his conviction.

The latest incident has renewed questions over alleged VIP treatment and special privileges for high-profile inmates at Bengaluru's central prison. Similar concerns were raised in 2024 after videos and photographs emerged showing Kannada actor Darshan, who was then in judicial custody in connection with a murder case, allegedly enjoying privileges inside the prison. The material included a photograph of Darshan smoking with others and a video that reportedly showed him using a phone.

Authorities had suspended several prison officials after the Darshan incident and transferred the actor to Ballari Central Prison. Mobile phones, SIM cards and other unauthorised electronic communication devices are prohibited inside prisons, with inmates permitted to communicate through designated and monitored systems. The latest probe will now focus on how Revanna allegedly obtained the phone and whether further action against prison personnel or others is warranted.

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