Karnataka Jail Scandal: Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Fake Supreme Court Order Emerge

Bengaluru, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : In a disturbing incident from Bengaluru, Karnataka, a prisoner’s wife has accused jail officials of sexual abuse and facilitating her husband’s release based on a fraudulent Supreme Court order. Following his release, the convicted individual reportedly abandoned her and married another woman. This prompted the wife to file a detailed complaint with the prison department, leading to the exposure of the entire case.

On Tuesday, police reported the arrest of Shankar A., who was serving a life sentence, along with jail employee Srikanth S. Additionally, Somasekhar, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the North Zone prison department, was also taken into custody. The case relates to Shankar’s alleged illegal release from Bengaluru Central Jail in 2018 and the creation of fake documents.

According to police, the wife frequently visited her husband in jail, where she became acquainted with the officials. After Shankar’s release, he left her for another woman, prompting her to raise concerns with the prison authorities. Her complaint detailed instances of alleged sexual abuse and the circumstances surrounding her husband’s release.

Investigations revealed that Srikanth was serving as a Second Division Assistant (SDA) at the time and is now a First Division Assistant in the Convict Prisoner Section. He is accused of sexually abusing the woman and assisting in the preparation of a counterfeit Supreme Court order for Shankar’s release.

During the investigation, the woman’s statements implicated Somasekhar, who allegedly contacted her via video calls, pressuring her to undress. Investigators have obtained purported video evidence, which has been sent for forensic analysis.

The police indicated that the woman met Somasekhar during her visits to see her husband. He allegedly promised to help secure her husband’s release, only to later exploit her sexually. Srikanth subsequently became involved in the scheme, aiding in the creation of the fake court documents.

The inquiry began on May 20, following a complaint from Karn B. Khetri, the superintendent in charge of Bengaluru Central Jail. The complaint accused Shankar of producing a forged Supreme Court order, claiming it justified his release on November 13, 2018. A case was registered at the Parappana Agrahara police station.

The investigation revealed that Shankar had been convicted in a case registered at the Chickpet police station, facing charges under IPC sections 364(A) and 120(B). The Fast Track Court-1 sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on July 12, 2004. His conviction and sentence were upheld by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court.

According to the investigation, Srikanth allegedly prepared a counterfeit Supreme Court order related to a criminal appeal petition dated November 2, 2018. This forged document was the basis for Shankar’s release from the Central Jail on November 13, 2018.

Shankar and Srikanth were presented in court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. Somasekhar was also arrested and is currently in police custody until October 9 for further questioning and investigation.

Authorities are now delving deeper into Somasekhar’s alleged role in the sexual abuse and his involvement in Shankar’s release. They are also exploring whether similar fraudulent documents were used for the release of other inmates.

The investigation is being overseen by DCP M. Narayan of the Electronic City Division, with ACP Satish K.M. and other police personnel actively involved in the inquiries and arrests. Further investigations are ongoing.