Prisons dept modernisation gets Cabinet approval in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Aug 21 (IANS) The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the purchase and installation of advanced technological equipment, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based cameras and portable signal jammers, as part of efforts to modernise and strengthen the state's Prisons Department, Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology and E-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge said on Friday. The decision was taken at the state Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The state government aims to enhance security, surveillance and operational efficiency across prisons in the state, Minister Kharge added. As part of the modernisation initiative, AI-powered cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System, among other advanced equipment, will be installed in prisons. The new technology is expected to help prevent unauthorised activities and strengthen security monitoring within prison premises. "Given the changing challenges, it is necessary to adopt advanced technology in the Prisons Department as well. This step has been taken with the objective of further strengthening security and surveillance," Minister Kharge said. The Cabinet approval is part of the state government's efforts to bring greater technology-based monitoring and security measures into the functioning of the Prisons Department, he added. Recently officials recovered a light-blue Redmi 5G phone, charger, pocket notebook and SanDisk pen drive from the cell occupied by former JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna and Pratap Rai. Revanna reportedly claimed the phone belonged to Pratap Rai. A video surfaced showed Revanna apparently talking on a mobile phone inside his prison cell, dressed in civilian clothes, raising questions against the prison authorities. An Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Iranna Rangapur, was suspended for alleged dereliction of duty following the recovery of the mobile phone from Prajwal Revanna's barrack. A show-cause notice was issued to the Superintendent of Bengaluru Central Prison Anshu Kumar. DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar said a detailed departmental inquiry was ordered. --IANS mka/khz