Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Karnataka Denies VVIP Prison Treatment for Ex-MP Prajwal Revanna
The Karnataka government says former MP Prajwal Revanna did not receive special treatment in prison.
Officials say prisoners are managed using alphabetical categories rather than VIP and ordinary classifications.
During an inspection, officers found a phone and other items that are not allowed in prison.
The items were taken into police custody.
The phone had not yet been checked for its contents.
A police case was registered over the recovery.
Three prison officials were suspended because officials said they failed in their duties.
A senior police officer was asked to investigate what happened.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge denied that Prajwal Revanna or any other prisoner received VVIP treatment.
The government said inmates are categorized alphabetically for security and administrative purposes, not as VIPs and ordinary prisoners.
A CCB inspection reportedly found a Redmi smartphone, SIM card, charger, diary and SanDisk pen drive with Revanna.
A case was registered, while three prison officials were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.
An inquiry led by Deputy Inspector General Jinendra Khanagavi was ordered, but its report was still awaited.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Home Minister Priyank Kharge, prison officials and former MP Prajwal Revanna.
- What
- The government denied VVIP treatment allegations after prohibited items were recovered from Revanna in prison.
- When
- The inspection and police case occurred on August 11; the government reply was reported on August 18.
- Where
- Parappana Agrahara Central Prison and Parappana Agrahara Police Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The government responded to questions about the recovery of a mobile phone and other prohibited items from Revanna.
Karnataka Government's Position
Concerns About Prison Oversight
Special treatment
Karnataka Government's Position
The government said no VVIP treatment was given and that prisons do not separately classify inmates as VIPs and ordinary prisoners.
Concerns About Prison Oversight
Questions about special treatment arose after prohibited items, including a smartphone and charger, were reportedly found in Revanna's possession.
Accountability
Karnataka Government's Position
The government said action was taken under prison rules and suspended three officials for dereliction of duty.
Concerns About Prison Oversight
The recovery prompted a police case and a broader inquiry, indicating unresolved concerns about how the items entered or remained in the prison.
Phone contents
Karnataka Government's Position
The government said the seized phone was in police custody and had not yet been examined.
Concerns About Prison Oversight
Because the phone had not been examined, its contents and potential relevance remained undetermined at the time of the report.
- Government position
- No VVIP treatment was provided to Revanna or any other prisoner.
- Prison classification
- Inmates are categorized alphabetically for security and administrative purposes.
- Recovered items
- A Redmi smartphone with SIM card, charger, diary and black SanDisk pen drive.
- Prisoner identification
- Revanna was identified as Convict Prisoner No. 1528.
- Disciplinary action
- Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur, Jailor Rajesh Dharmatti and Warden Mahesh Sajjan were suspended.
- Investigation
- Deputy Inspector General Jinendra Khanagavi was directed to conduct an inquiry.
- Phone examination
- The seized phone remained in police custody and had not been examined for its contents.