KALABURAGI : The Karnataka Prison Department has suspended eight officials of the Kalaburagi Central Prison following the sensational escape of three convicted inmates from the high-security jail, triggering a major political controversy over prison security and the functioning of the Home Department.
Director General of Police (Prisons) Alok Kumar issued suspension orders against the officials on charges of dereliction of duty and negligence, following preliminary findings indicating serious lapses in prison security. The action comes a day after the daring jailbreak raised questions about surveillance and security arrangements inside one of the state’s key correctional facilities.
Among those suspended are Kalaburagi Central Prison Superintendent Rakesh Kamble, Assistant Superintendent B. Suresh and Jailer Shrimantagouda Patil. Five warders who were on night duty Ninganna, Yamanappa Kurubar, Basavaraj Metri, Savitri Talakeri and Azeem have also been placed under suspension with immediate effect.
The three convicts had allegedly escaped from the prison late Tuesday night after scaling the 15 to 20-foot-high compound wall using towels and bedsheets tied together. CCTV footage of the escape, which later surfaced, showed the inmates climbing over the prison wall before fleeing the premises. Investigators suspect they escaped in a waiting vehicle and travelled along the national highway.
Following the incident, police launched a massive manhunt by forming four special teams to trace the escapees. Security was also tightened at prisons across the state, while senior officials reviewed surveillance systems and deployment of prison personnel.
The search operation yielded its first breakthrough on Wednesday when police apprehended one of the escaped convicts, identified as Santosh, in Kalaburagi. According to police, the accused allegedly attempted to attack the officers who tried to arrest him, forcing them to open fire in self-defence. Santosh sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was admitted to the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital for treatment. Two police constables were also injured during the operation.
Police have intensified efforts to trace the remaining two fugitives, identified as Mastan, believed to be the mastermind behind the escape, and Sagar. Drone cameras have been deployed to search agricultural fields and isolated areas in the Humnabad region of Bidar district, where investigators suspect the duo may be hiding. Search operations are continuing with the assistance of local police and intelligence units.
The prison break has also triggered a fierce political exchange between the ruling Congress government and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra described the incident as a shocking example of administrative failure. Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, he said the state government had failed to maintain discipline in prisons and ensure effective supervision.
“I am shocked by this incident. Karnataka’s prison administration requires urgent reforms. During my tenure as Home Minister, strict action was taken after prisoners held parties inside Bengaluru Central Prison. Officials responsible were suspended immediately. Under the Congress government, there appears to be no accountability. The Home Department has completely failed,” he alleged.
Jnanendra further accused the government of neglecting prison reforms and demanded stricter action against those responsible. He alleged that drugs, weapons and even firearms had been recovered from prisons in recent years, claiming that inmates were enjoying undue privileges behind bars.
“The Home Department should either be entrusted to someone capable of handling it efficiently or the present minister must ensure effective administration. Otherwise, law and order will deteriorate further. If corrective measures are not taken immediately, the Home Minister should take moral responsibility,” he said.
State BJP President BY Vijayendra also launched a sharp attack on the government, targeting Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the jailbreak.
In a strongly worded statement, Vijayendra accused the minister of diverting attention from the government’s failures instead of addressing serious lapses in prison administration.
“The escape of prisoners from a jail in your own district reflects the state of governance. Instead of making political statements on unrelated issues, the government must explain how such a major security breach occurred. The people of Karnataka deserve accountability,” Vijayendra said.
Prison department officials have indicated that a departmental inquiry has been initiated to determine how the inmates breached the prison’s security and whether additional officials could face disciplinary action.
