Bengaluru, August 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Mandya Jail Superintendent Shanthamma was transferred to Ballari Central Prison with immediate effect on Monday following allegations of VIP treatment being extended to inmates, including an incident in which an undertrial prisoner was reportedly found with a female visitor while receiving treatment at a hospital.
The transfer order was issued by Karnataka DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar amid an inquiry into alleged irregularities at Mandya prison.
The controversy surfaced after a surprise inspection by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) Hospital. During the inspection, undertrial prisoner Mohammad Hussain was reportedly found staying in a special ward without an apparent valid medical justification. He was also allegedly found with a female visitor while undergoing treatment.
The incident prompted scrutiny of claims that certain undertrial prisoners were being provided special facilities, with questions also being raised about the possible involvement of prison officials.
The controversy widened after a purported petition allegedly bearing the signatures, thumb impressions and undertrial prisoner (UTP) numbers of around 80 inmates surfaced. The document, circulated among the media, contains allegations of a “rate list” for various facilities inside Mandya Jail.
According to the purported petition, monthly payments of Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000, Rs 15,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 were allegedly demanded for Cells 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. It also alleges charges of Rs 2,000 for changing rooms and Rs 10,000 for being released from a punishment cell.
The document further claims that food could allegedly be arranged for payment, citing Rs 1,250 per kg for mutton and Rs 700 per kg for chicken. It also contains an allegation that inmates who did not pay were threatened with being “sent to the gallows”.
After the purported petition went viral, Alok Kumar visited Mandya Jail and questioned inmates as part of the inquiry.
However, preliminary findings have raised doubts about the document’s authenticity and the circumstances in which it was prepared. Jail authorities reportedly suspect that inmates’ signatures and thumb impressions may have been obtained on the pretext of seeking basic canteen facilities rather than for the grievances listed in the document.
Alok Kumar said the contents were being verified and that the allegations would be investigated.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge described the purported petition as an unauthorised slip and called for an investigation into all aspects of the matter, including who released it, how a mobile phone was allegedly brought into the prison and whether the document was circulated from outside.
The inquiry is continuing to determine whether allegations of VIP treatment, illegal collections and unauthorised facilities for inmates are substantiated.
FOLLOW NOW
