Former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence in Karnataka's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, was found with a mobile phone and a pen drive during a jail raid on Wednesday, August 12. Prison officials have registered a fresh case under the Prisons Act, while an assistant superintendent has been suspended and an inquiry launched into how the prohibited items entered the facility. 

Phone, Pen Drive Recovered

According to officials, a blue Android mobile phone, pen drive, charger and diary were recovered from Revanna during a raid at the Bengaluru prison.

Another inmate, identified as Prathap Rai, was also named in the case. The complaint was filed by Central Crime Branch police inspector Subramanya, following which a case was registered at the Parappana Agrahara police station under Section 42 of the Prisons Act. 

The raid reportedly continued for around four to five hours. Officials said no other contraband was found during the operation.

Prison Official Suspended

The incident has prompted action against prison authorities.

Alok Kumar, DGP, Prisons and Correctional Services, said the concerned assistant superintendent had been suspended following a report from the DIG South. A show-cause notice has also been issued to the superintendent of Bengaluru Central Prison.

A detailed departmental inquiry is now underway to determine how the mobile phone and other prohibited items reached the prison. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and collecting additional information before deciding on further disciplinary action. 

Revanna Serving Life Sentence

Prajwal Revanna, 34, is serving a life sentence after a special court in Karnataka convicted him in 2025 for repeatedly raping a 47-year-old domestic worker.

The case was the first among three rape cases and one sexual harassment case against Revanna to reach trial and result in a conviction, according to the report.

Revanna, a former Hassan MP and grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was previously considered a prominent young leader of the Janata Dal (Secular). His conviction brought a major setback to his political career. 

CCTV Footage Under Scanner

Prison authorities are investigating whether any staff members were involved in allowing the prohibited items into the jail.

CCTV footage from the facility is being examined as part of the inquiry. Officials are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the recovery and whether there were lapses in prison security procedures.

The authorities have said further notices and disciplinary action could follow once the inquiry establishes responsibility.

Fresh Investigation Begins

The recovery of a mobile phone and pen drive from a high-profile inmate has raised fresh questions about security and monitoring inside the prison.

The new case is separate from the criminal proceedings that resulted in Revanna's conviction. The immediate investigation will focus on the possession of prohibited items and the possible route through which they entered the prison.

For now, the prison administration has initiated both a criminal case and an internal inquiry, with officials examining CCTV footage and other evidence before taking further action.