Bengaluru, August 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, was shifted from a VIP cell to a regular prison cell at Bengaluru Central Prison on Wednesday following the reported recovery of a mobile phone from his barrack.
The development took another turn after a purported 17-second video showing Prajwal allegedly speaking on a mobile phone from inside his prison cell surfaced on social media. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and prison authorities have not issued an official response.
In the purported footage, Prajwal is seen wearing coloured clothes instead of the prescribed prison uniform and speaking on a mobile phone inside a cell equipped with a ceiling fan. He is reportedly heard referring to having made a call two days earlier.
Following the phone recovery, Prajwal was reportedly moved to a regular cell housing around 20 other convicted prisoners, who share a common toilet. He has also been directed to wear the prison uniform and assigned duties in the prison library.
The issue has assumed political significance ahead of the Karnataka Assembly’s Monsoon Session. The Opposition BJP and JD(S) have said they would disrupt proceedings unless Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra resigns.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) recently conducted a raid at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, during which a mobile phone, charger, notebook and SanDisk pen drive were reportedly recovered from Prajwal’s barrack. Police said several OTT applications were found on the phone, while reports also claimed that obscene videos were recovered from the devices.
Prajwal and undertrial prisoner Prathap Rai had earlier been housed in the VIP section. Rai, who was arrested in a POCSO case, was reportedly assisting Prajwal.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said he personally ordered the CCB raid after noticing lapses during a visit to the prison around two weeks earlier. He said the operation was conducted after obtaining Chief Minister’s approval.
Kharge also said officials found responsible for facilitating irregularities would face suspension.
Prison Department DGP Alok Kumar said Assistant Superintendent Eeranna had been suspended, while Jail Superintendent Anshukumar had been served a show-cause notice.
Kumar said authorities would investigate the recovery of the phone and charger and examine whether the prison’s Wi-Fi network had been used.
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