CM Siddaramaiah orders probe into VIP jail treatment for Sasikala

BENGALURU: In the wake of a senior IPS officer making startling revelations about prisoners receiving illegal favours, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a high-level inquiry on Thursday.

The report also highlighted special facilities extended to stamp-paper scam convict Abdul Kareem Telgi, who was provided three to four inmates to take personal care of him.

Siddaramaiah, who was scheduled to leave for Raichur on Thursday morning, convened a meeting with DG&IG R K Dutta at his residence, and was briefed about the situation. After the meeting, Siddaramaiah announced the government had taken serious note of the allegations and ordered a high-level inquiry.

The announcement came in the form of two tweets The first said: “We have taken serious cognizance of the allegations of irregularities in Bengaluru Central Prison & ordered a high level inquiry.” The second said: “Request all to await the outcome of this inquiry. Strict action will be taken against any person found guilty of wrongdoing.”

While there is no clarity yet on who will form the panel, orders appointing the members are likely to be passed on Friday. Meanwhile, Rao has dismissed the allegations and said he would explore legal options against Roopa.

The report also sparked protests in two Central Prisons, at Belagavi and Bengaluru, where both officials and inmates staged a protest against the bad press they received due to the report.