Mobile phone found in former MP Prajwal Revanna’s Bengaluru prison cell had Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, Prime Video
A mobile phone with social media and streaming apps was found in former MP Prajwal Revanna's prison cell, raising security concerns.
The discovery has raised questions over how a prohibited electronic device reached the possession of a high-profile convict inside the high-security prison
Updated - August 12, 2026 12:26 pm IST - Bengaluru
Prajwal Revanna, former MP of Hassan, is serving a life sentence for rape at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru.. | Photo Credit: File photo
A mobile phone was allegedly found in the possession of former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence for rape at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru.
The phone was found during a surprise inspection conducted by Central Crime Branch (CCB) officials in the prison complex on August 11 afternoon, sources said.
According to sources, the mobile phone was found in the barrack where Prajwal is lodged. The discovery has raised questions over how a prohibited electronic device reached the possession of a high-profile convict inside the high-security prison.
Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain how the phone was brought into the prison. A complaint has reportedly been registered at the Parappana Agrahara police station in connection with the incident.
The incident has brought renewed scrutiny on security and surveillance measures inside the Central prison. Allegations of VIP treatment and special facilities being extended to influential inmates at Parappana Agrahara prison have surfaced in the past.
Prajwal, who represented the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, was convicted in a sexual assault case and sentenced to life imprisonment by a court. The latest seizure is expected to be investigated separately to establish the circumstances under which the mobile phone came into his possession.
Director General of prisons Alok Kumar said that one Android phone was seized from Prajwal’s barrack, and Assistant Superintendent Iranna Rangapur has been suspended for dereliction of duty, while a show cause notice has been issued to the Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Central Prison.
A detailed inquiry is being conducted into the incident.
Sources said prison authorities had searched Prajwal’s barrack on August 6, but the search team could not find any contraband item then.
The phone was found on August 11 during the CCB’s five-hour search covering various high-profile prisoners.
Also Read : Rape and punishment: On the life sentencing of Prajwal Revanna
CCB has lodged a complaint at the Parappana Agrahara Police Station and an FIR was registered.
Parappana Agrahara police have registered FIR No. 319/2026 under Section 42 of the Karnataka Prisons (Amendment) Act, 2022, and Section 323 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), naming Prajwal Revanna and an undertrial prisoner Prathap Rai as accused.
Seized phone had Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, Prime Video
According to the complaint filed by M.L. Subramanya Swamy, Police Inspector, Narcotics Control Bureau, CCB, a search of the prison’s security sections was conducted from 2.05 pm to 9 pm on August 11 following directions to detect and seize unauthorised mobile phones, narcotics, and other prohibited articles.
During the search of Security Section 3, first floor, Room No. 4, officials found a light-blue Redmi 5G mobile phone, a white charger, a blue pocket (electronic) notebook, and a black SanDisk pen drive.
Police said the phone was bearing IMEI numbers 860894070725085 and 860894070725093, and had the mobile number 7995011547.
The cell was occupied by former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna and another prisoner Prathap Rai.
When the prisoners in the room were questioned about the phone, Prajwal Revanna reportedly identified himself as a convicted prisoner, while Prathap Rai said he was an undertrial. According to the complaint, Prajwal Revanna claimed the notebook belongs to him, while Prathap Rai claimed ownership of the mobile phone, charger and pen drive.
Prathap Rai allegedly told the officials that he used the mobile phone occasionally to contact his relatives and lawyer. Prajwal Revanna reportedly said he had borrowed the phone from Prathap Rai, and used it to contact his relatives and lawyer.
The mobile phone was found to have Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, Prime Video, and other applications. The applications were password-protected. Both prisoners reportedly told officials that they did not know the passwords.
The seized articles were confiscated in the presence of witnesses.
The complaint alleges that the two prisoners had unauthorisedly brought or obtained prohibited articles inside the prison, and used them, leading to registration of the case and further investigation.
