Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Karnataka Cabinet Approves AI Technology to Modernise State Prisons
Karnataka plans to use new technology to make its prisons safer.
The Cabinet approved AI cameras, portable signal jammers and a system for prisoners to make monitored calls.
Officials say these tools could help stop unauthorised activities.
The plan was approved at a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The decision came after officials found a mobile phone and other items in a prison cell.
The cell was occupied by former MP Prajwal Revanna and Pratap Rai.
A video also appeared to show Revanna using a phone inside the prison.
One prison official was suspended, and other officials face an inquiry.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved advanced technology for the state’s Prisons Department.
Planned equipment includes AI-powered cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System.
The government says the initiative will improve prison security, surveillance and operational efficiency.
The decision follows the recovery of a phone and other items from Prajwal Revanna’s prison cell.
An assistant superintendent was suspended, while a departmental inquiry was ordered into the incident.
- Who
- The Karnataka Cabinet, led at the meeting by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, approved the plan; Home Minister Priyank Kharge announced it.
- What
- The Cabinet approved installing AI-based cameras, portable signal jammers, a Prisoner Calling System and other equipment in state prisons.
- When
- The approval was announced on Friday; the phone-recovery incident occurred recently, according to the report.
- Where
- Prisons across Karnataka, including Bengaluru Central Prison.
- Why
- The government says advanced technology is needed to strengthen security, surveillance and operational efficiency amid changing challenges.
- Approving body
- Karnataka Cabinet
- Announcing minister
- Priyank Kharge, Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology and E-Governance Minister
- Planned technology
- AI-powered cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System
- Stated objective
- Stronger security, surveillance and operational efficiency in prisons
- Recovered items
- A light-blue Redmi 5G phone, charger, pocket notebook and SanDisk pen drive
- Disciplinary action
- Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Iranna Rangapur was suspended for alleged dereliction of duty
- Investigation
- A show-cause notice was issued to Bengaluru Central Prison Superintendent Anshu Kumar, and a departmental inquiry was ordered