Bengaluru Central Prison declared ‘prohibited items-free’; six inmates get 30-day remission

The Bengaluru Central Prison authorities also announced special privileges for inmates who maintain good conduct.

The Bengaluru Central Prison has been officially declared a ‘prohibited items-free prison’ following a series of surprise inspections that reportedly found no prohibited articles, including mobile phones, ganja and tobacco products, on the premises.

The announcement was made by Alok Kumar, Director-General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), Karnataka, during the 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations organised at the prison.

Six convicted prisoners who participated in and performed exceptionally well in a three-hour play, staged inside the prison on November 1, 2026, were granted 30 days’ special remission in their sentences by the DGP. The six inmates are Rajesh, Suresh K., Muniraju, Hanumantharaju, Maruti and Thimmarayappa.

The prison authorities also announced special privileges for inmates who maintain good conduct. Prisoners who do not violate prison rules or orders and refrain from using prohibited items for an entire 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.

The celebrations included planting 1,956 saplings to mark Karnataka's unification in 1956. Under the ‘Unboxing Bengaluru’ initiative, in collaboration with the organisation of the same name, special Kannada music and cultural programmes were organised for inmates and prison staff.

One of the major attractions was the three-hour theatrical performance, titled Raja Satyavrata or Shani Prabhava, written, directed and enacted entirely by convicted prisoners. A total of 23 inmates participated in the production.

The play conveyed messages about truth, righteousness, 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 confidence, discipline, positive thinking, teamwork and emotional expression, besides supporting their rehabilitation.

The department also organised the first-ever State-level Prison Sports Meet-2026, dividing prison establishments into three zones — North, South and Bengaluru. Officers and staff members were recognised for their distinguished service, professional integrity and contribution to the department. In another initiative, internal roads within Bengaluru Central Prison were given motivational names such as Parivarthana Path, Sudharana Path and Nava Sankalpa Path.