BJP Leaders Detained During Protest Over VIP Treatment Given to Inmates in Bengaluru Jails

Police in Bengaluru detained several senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday as they tried to march toward the Chief Minister’s residence to protest against alleged VIP treatment being given to inmates in the city’s prisons.

Among those detained were R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition, and B.Y. Vijayendra, the State President of BJP. The leaders were stopped near Race Course Road as they attempted to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s house.

Police officials said the detentions were carried out to prevent any security breach in the area.

The protest was sparked by several videos that recently surfaced on social media. These videos allegedly showed notorious criminals, including serial rapist Umesh Reddy and terror suspect Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, using mobile phones inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. The footage suggested that these inmates were receiving special treatment behind bars.

Another video that went viral reportedly showed prisoners drinking alcohol and dancing inside the prison premises, raising serious questions about security and discipline in the facility.

Following the controversy, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara called an urgent meeting with senior police and prison officials to discuss the matter.

During the meeting, Parameshwara expressed his strong disapproval of the situation. He made it clear that such incidents are unacceptable and should not happen in any prison. The Home Minister rejected staff shortages as an excuse and stressed that officials must perform their duties properly.

He further stated that allowing mobile phones and televisions inside jails defeats the very purpose of imprisonment and compromises the security of these facilities.

The incident has raised concerns about prison management and accountability in Karnataka, with opposition parties demanding strict action against those responsible.