Bengaluru Prison Reforms: Committee Urges Tech Upgrades, Staff Rotation to Curb Irregularities
A committee established by the Karnataka government has delivered a clear message. Addressing irregularities in the state's central prisons requires more than just extra manpower. Professional staff operating in a tech-enhanced environment are absolutely vital. This recommendation comes after videos and photographs showing VIP treatment of inmates at Bengaluru Central Prison sparked public outrage last November.
Security Overhaul and Staffing Crisis
Home Minister G Parameshwara formed the committee to investigate jail irregularities and propose solutions. Led by Additional Director General of Police R Hitendra, the panel visited all central prisons in Karnataka. They also inspected Tihar Jail in Delhi and Chanchalaguda Central Prison in Telangana for comparative insights.
The committee submitted a sixteen-page report to the Home Minister this Wednesday. It highlights a critical security flaw. Frisking procedures in Karnataka's prisons are not effectively implemented. The state currently relies on a single checking system.
In stark contrast, Tihar Jail employs a robust three-layer frisking protocol. This involves personnel from the Tamil Nadu Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police. This multi-agency approach significantly reduces chances of connivance and smuggling.
The committee strongly recommends introducing a second frisking layer in Karnataka. This duty could be assigned to the Karnataka State Reserve Police or other reserve forces. Furthermore, they advise rotating the present frisking staff from the Karnataka Industrial Security Force every two months. This prevents staff from becoming too familiar with inmates and routines.
Embracing Modern Technology
The report pushes for a technological leap in prison security. It calls for the installation of modern equipment across facilities. The recommended list includes doorframe metal detectors, full-body scanners, X-ray baggage scanners, and metal-detecting poles.
Currently, KISF personnel manage various points within prisons, including main gates. However, a senior police officer noted there are no specific deployment guidelines for central forces like the CRPF or ITBP. The committee's recommendations aim to formalize and strengthen this security architecture.
Other key tech-focused proposals are equally important. The committee wants mandatory body cameras for all prison staff. It also recommends installing CCTV cameras inside jail barracks for constant monitoring. To counter modern communication threats, the report advises installing new mobile jammers capable of blocking 5G network calls.
Operational and Procedural Reforms
Beyond personnel and technology, the committee suggests sweeping operational changes. It calls for the creation of standard operating procedures for all visitors, including legal advocates. Vehicles transporting essentials like rations, vegetables, and garbage must undergo more careful scanning.
A significant recommendation involves random testing of inmates. The committee advocates for the unannounced use of alcohol breath analysers and drug-detecting kits within the prison population.
The report sheds light on a severe staffing crisis. Karnataka's nine central prisons face a massive shortage of personnel. For instance, Bengaluru Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara operates with only 571 staff members. The mandated strength is 959. This deficit of 388 staffers must manage 4,834 prisoners.
Overall, the state's central prisons have approximately 650 vacant positions. These facilities are located in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga (which has two prisons), Mangaluru, Ballari, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Vijayapura. To combat complacency, the committee recommends frequent transfers of jail staff. Officials with long tenures should be reviewed and potentially transferred after three years.
Key Recommendations to Prevent Contraband
The committee provided specific, actionable points to tighten prison management and prevent smuggling.
- Ban on Outside Food: All food must be sourced from and available in prison stores. The report also states fruits should not be stored in barracks for more than forty-eight hours. This prevents inmates from using them to prepare illicit wine.
- Scrutiny of Clothing: Clothes brought from outside for inmates must be soaked in water. They should only be issued after a full day. This process helps prevent the concealment of prohibited substances like drugs within the fabric.
- No Unnecessary Medical Trips: Inmates should not be sent outside the prison on the pretext of medical tests unless absolutely necessary. This closes a potential loophole for unauthorized activities.
- Internal Intelligence Network: Prison officials are urged to build a reliable internal information network. This system should provide intelligence on all activities within the jail premises.
The committee's comprehensive report presents a roadmap for transforming Karnataka's prison system. It emphasizes that professionalizing the workforce and integrating advanced technology are non-negotiable steps toward ensuring security, order, and transparency.
