Prisons DGP Conducts Thorough Inspection at Kalaburagi Central Amid Security Allegations

Amid mounting public outrage over viral videos allegedly showing inmates at Kalaburagi Central Prison engaging in prohibited activities such as gambling, smoking, and consuming alcohol, Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar conducted a thorough inspection of the facility on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The videos, which surfaced in late December 2025 and depicted inmates indulging in what appeared to be a luxurious or club-like lifestyle inside the high-security prison, triggered widespread criticism and comparisons to past scandals in other Karnataka jails, including Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara. The footage, believed to be 2-3 months old, prompted an immediate high-level probe ordered by the DGP, with an FIR registered against several involved inmates.

During the visit to the prison on the outskirts of the city, Mr. Kumar personally examined each barrack, reviewed security protocols, and sought detailed explanations from officials regarding the alleged smuggling of mobile phones, restricted items, and lapses in supervision. Accompanied by senior officers, including Additional Inspector General P.V. Anand Reddy, North Zone Inspector General T.P. Shesha, Kalaburagi City Police Commissioner Sharanappa S. Dhage, and Superintendent Anita, he questioned staff on accountability and warned of stringent action if any prohibited articles, including narcotics or mobile devices, were discovered. The inspection aimed to assess overall functioning, identify supervisory failures, and address concerns that some inmates were leading privileged lives despite incarceration.

The controversy has highlighted ongoing challenges in prison administration across Karnataka, where smuggling of contraband remains a persistent issue despite recent efforts to introduce AI-based CCTV surveillance in major facilities like Kalaburagi. Preliminary findings from the inquiry suggest the viral activities occurred months earlier, and one implicated inmate, Munikrishna, alias Kappe, was released on December 2, 2025. The DGP’s surprise visit follows similar inspections in other jails under his tenure, emphasizing reforms such as enhanced monitoring, staff vigilance, and zero tolerance for violations to restore discipline and security.

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As the probe continues, authorities have stressed that such incidents are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Kalaburagi Central Prison, which houses a significant number of inmates, now faces heightened scrutiny, with calls for disciplinary measures against any negligent staff and stronger preventive measures to prevent future breaches. The department has reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict standards in correctional facilities amid public demands for transparency and reform.

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