India's Failing Prisons: Parappanna Agrahara's Cycle of Scandal and Neglect
Image Source: Internet
{ "title": "India's Failing Prisons: Parappanna Agrahara's Cycle of Scandal and Neglect", "article": "Parappanna Agrahara Central Prison, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, has been plagued by administrative failures and scandals, dating back to its inception in 1997. Originally touted as a modern correctional facility, the prison has instead become a hub of illicit trade, a sanctuary for the influential, and a source of embarrassment for successive state governments. In a disturbing pattern, high-profile inmates, including suspected ISIS recruiter Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna and convicted serial rapist Umesh Reddy, have been accused of violating prison regulations, including the use of mobile phones, watching television, and celebrating birthdays with liquor. This is not an isolated incident, as numerous scandals have rocked the prison over the years. Notable cases include the imprisonment of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2014, who was granted special privileges, including a VVIP cell, despite initial denials of such arrangements. The prison has also witnessed several high-profile escapes, including that of serial killer M Jaishankar, who scaled the prison walls and was later recaptured. The prison's culture of corruption and favoritism has been exposed through various reports and inquiries. In 2017, a committee led by DIG D Roopa found that V K Sasikala, an aide of Jayalalithaa, received preferential treatment, including a private space with a fridge, stove, and utensils. The report also revealed that records had been falsified to support these arrangements. More recently, photographs emerged of Kannada actor Darshan allegedly drinking, smoking, and walking with fellow inmates in the prison garden, sparking another round of inquiry and controversy. Former inmates have described the prison as a place where basic necessities come at a cost, with a "rate chart" for extra food, hot water, and other amenities. In September 2025, a warden was arrested on drug peddling charges, highlighting the extent of corruption within the prison. In response, the state set up another committee to study conditions across all state prisons and submit a comprehensive report. The struggles within Parappanna Agrahara go beyond celebrity inmates and official inquiries. A social worker who runs an education programme inside the prison described the environment as one of "violence and survival," where weak inmates attach themselves to stronger ones and women in the staff fear night duty. A former undertrial described life as a constant mix of fear and uncertainty, highlighting the need for systemic reforms to address the root causes of these issues."
