Mobile phone in Prajwal Revanna’s prison cell: Several phone numbers recovered

A mobile phone was discovered in the prison cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna at the Central Jail in Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru, prompting an investigation into how the device entered the facility. The discovery came after a raid conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CCI). The phone, along with a pen drive and a notebook, was seized from the barrack housing Revanna. The notebook reportedly contains multiple phone numbers, some of which are believed to belong to his family members and others to individuals connected to him. The DIG of Prisons and Correctional Services, Jinendra Khanagavi, has launched an inquiry into the incident, focusing on how the phone managed to enter the prison despite existing security measures. The probe includes determining who might have supplied the device, how long it was used, and whether prison staff or others played a role in facilitating its use. According to insiders, the phone was in operation since March, and there are suspicions that additional devices may have been smuggled into the prison and remain active. The incident has sparked concerns over potential security breaches within the facility. Reports indicate that SIM cards issued in Andhra Pradesh were detected being used inside the jail, despite repeated warnings against the use of external SIMs. Following the discovery, the Director General of the Prison Department, Alok Kumar, ordered a thorough review and requested a detailed report from Khanagavi. Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur has already been placed under suspension following the incident. Officials noted that CCI personnel had planned a raid but encountered delays in accessing the prison premises. During this time, prison staff and inmates were reportedly warned, leading to fears that some contraband might have been hidden away. Home Minister Priyank Kharge has stated that action will be taken against anyone found to have assisted Revanna in acquiring or using the phone. He emphasized that the investigation will determine who supplied the device and identify those responsible for any security lapses. In related developments, three mobile phones and two pen drives were recovered from the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison during separate searches. These searches took place between 11.30 p.m. on August 11 and 2 a.m. on August 12, as per a complaint filed by prison in-charge Superintendent B.R. Andani. An FIR was subsequently registered at the local police station. DCP M. Narayana of the Electronic City Division denied reports that the confiscated devices contained inappropriate content such as pornography or objectionable images. He added that investigators observed a specific brand of Android phones being used inside the prison, even though security measures and jamming systems were in place. The police are currently assessing whether these devices can circumvent the 3G/5G security jammers and plan to contact the manufacturer for further technical insights. The ongoing investigation is also exploring leads related to the procurement of the phones, aiming to trace the supply chain through which the devices entered the prison. This effort seeks to uncover any possible involvement of prison officials or external parties in enabling the unauthorized use of mobile technology within the facility.