Karnataka Jail Superintendent Transferred Amid VIP Treatment Allegations
Transfer of Mandya Jail Superintendent
Photo: @TweetzBallari/X
Bengaluru, Aug 31: The Superintendent of Mandya Jail in Karnataka, Shanthamma, has been reassigned to Ballari Central Prison effective immediately due to serious accusations of granting preferential treatment to inmates. This decision follows an incident where an undertrial prisoner was discovered with a female visitor while receiving medical care at a hospital. The transfer order was issued by the State Director General of Prisons, Alok Kumar, in response to these allegations.
The transfer comes in light of claims regarding special privileges being offered to undertrial prisoners, including a supposed rate list for various amenities within Mandya prison. These irregularities were uncovered during an unexpected inspection by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) Hospital.
During this inspection, undertrial prisoner Mohammad Hussain was found in a special ward without a valid medical justification. He was also seen with a female visitor while undergoing treatment.
This incident has raised concerns about how prisoners are allegedly receiving special treatment, prompting inquiries into the possible involvement of prison officials in facilitating such privileges.
Additionally, a petition reportedly signed by approximately 80 inmates from Mandya Jail has emerged, alleging the existence of a "rate list" for various services within the prison. Copies of this petition have been circulated to the media, featuring signatures, thumb impressions, and identification numbers of the inmates.
The petition claims that monthly fees are charged for specific cells, with amounts such as Rs 10,000 for Cell-1, Rs 15,000 for Cells-3 and 4, Rs 5,000 for Cell-5, and Rs 8,000 for Cell-6. It also alleges that Rs 2,000 is demanded for room changes and Rs 10,000 for release from punishment cells.
Furthermore, the petition suggests that food items can be procured for inmates at a price, citing Rs 1,250 per kg for mutton and Rs 700 per kg for chicken. It also includes claims that inmates who do not pay are threatened with severe consequences.
In light of the widespread circulation of the petition, Alok Kumar visited Mandya prison to interrogate inmates as part of the ongoing investigation.
However, preliminary findings from jail officials have cast doubt on the authenticity of the petition and the circumstances under which it was created. Authorities suspect that the signatures and thumb impressions may have been obtained under false pretenses, possibly related to requests for basic canteen services rather than the grievances outlined in the petition.
Alok Kumar stated that the claims in the letter are currently being verified and that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
Karnataka's Home Minister Priyank Kharge has described the petition as an unauthorized document and emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the situation, including how a mobile phone may have been smuggled into the prison and the origins of the document's circulation.
The inquiry is ongoing to determine the validity of the allegations regarding VIP treatment, illegal fees, and special privileges for prisoners.