The Bengaluru Central Jail declared that “prohibited articles free”; six inmates receive a 30-day remission

Bengaluru Central Jail authorities have also announced special privileges for inmates who maintain good behaviour. | Photo credit: File photo

Bengaluru’s Central Jail has been officially declared a ‘contraband-free jail’ following a series of surprise inspections that reportedly found no contraband, including mobile phones, ganja and tobacco products, on the premises.

This was announced by Alok Kumar, Director General of Police (Prison and Correctional Services), Karnataka, during the 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations organized at the jail.

Six convict prisoners, who participated in a three-hour show held at the jail on November 1, 2026 and performed exceptionally well, were given a special remission of 30 days of their sentence by the DGP. The six prisoners are Rajesh, Suresh K., Muniraju, Hanumantharaju, Maruti and Thimmarayappa.

Prison authorities have also announced special privileges for inmates who maintain good behavior. Prisoners who do not violate prison rules and regulations and refrain from using prohibited items throughout the year will be provided with canteen facilities. They will also be allowed four special visits a year to celebrate occasions such as their children’s birthdays, wedding anniversaries and birthdays of close blood relatives.

Celebrations included the planting of 1,956 saplings to mark the unification of Karnataka in 1956. Special Kannada music and cultural programs were organized for inmates and prison staff as part of the ‘Unboxing Bengaluru’ initiative in collaboration with the organization of the same name.

One of the main attractions was a three-hour theater play called Raja Satyavrata or Shani Prabhava, written, directed and performed entirely by condemned prisoners. A total of 23 prisoners participated in the production.

The play conveyed messages about truth, justice, honesty, patience, the consequences of one’s actions and the importance of facing life’s challenges with courage. Prison officials said such cultural activities help inmates develop self-confidence, discipline, positive thinking, teamwork and emotional expression and support their rehabilitation.

The department also organized the first-ever state-level prison sports meet-2026, which divided prison facilities into three zones – North, South and Bengaluru. Officers and staff were recognized for their outstanding service, professional integrity and contribution to the department. In another initiative, internal paths in Bengaluru Central Jail have been given motivational names like Parivarthana Path, Sudharana Path and Nava Sankalpa Path.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 18:47 IST