Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge addressed the Legislative Assembly, clarifying that the recent prison raid involving former MP Prajwal Revanna was a routine security operation. The state government rejected claims of selective targeting, while investigations continue into unauthorized items seized during the inspection at Parappana Agrahara prison.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge formally addressed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, to clarify the circumstances surrounding a recent search operation at the Parappana Agrahara prison. The minister denied allegations that the raid on the prison cell of former MP Prajwal Revanna was an act of targeted persecution, asserting instead that it was part of the state’s routine enforcement measures.
During his address, Minister Kharge confirmed that the search was conducted with the necessary approvals from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He emphasized that the operation was prompted by intelligence regarding potential violations within the prison and was not directed at any specific individual. The government maintained that inmate management follows administrative protocols, where prisoners are assigned identification numbers for security purposes, rather than being classified by status.
The search in question, which occurred on August 11, led to the recovery of several unauthorized items, including a mobile phone, charger, diary, and a storage device. Following the discovery, a case was registered at the Parappana Agrahara Police Station. The government has taken administrative action against prison staff, resulting in the suspension of an assistant superintendent, a jailor, and a warden for alleged dereliction of duty. A show-cause notice was also issued to the superintendent of the Bengaluru Central Prison.
While reports have circulated regarding the nature of the data found on the seized devices, Minister Kharge stated that the mobile phone and other items are currently in police custody and have not yet been forensically examined. The government has tasked the Deputy Inspector General of Police with conducting a detailed inquiry into how prohibited items entered the high-security zone, with the final report currently pending.
This event is a matter of administrative and governance concern within the state of Karnataka. It has no connection to listed corporate entities, stock markets, or financial exchange filings. The primary focus for stakeholders remains the outcome of the ongoing forensic analysis and the departmental inquiry, which aims to identify security lapses and determine the necessity for further disciplinary measures.