Inmates at Shivamogga Central Jail throw stones at staff over demand for beedis, cigarettes

Shivamogga: An incident involving prisoners throwing stones and threatening prison staff occurred at the Shivamogga Central Jail four days ago, coming to light only recently. The inmates reportedly became aggressive after their demand for beedis and cigarettes was denied.

Following strict measures imposed at Shivamogga jail in the aftermath of the case involving actor Darshan in Parappana Agrahara jail, inmates at the Shivamogga Central Jail protested by demanding beedis and cigarettes. Frustrated prisoners resorted to stone-pelting, threatening the prison staff.

As tensions escalated, DIG Divyashree visited the prison and has been stationed there to assess the situation. In the wake of the unrest, the prison superintendent has been replaced.

The jail administration had banned the supply of beedis and cigarettes inside the prison, which angered the inmates. On September 12, a group of prisoners reportedly threw stones at jail staff, seized their batons, and issued death threats in their bid to obtain tobacco products.

Following a complaint from Jail Superintendent Dr. R. Anitha, a case was registered at Tunga Nagar Police Station against 21 inmates, including Rajasekhar Reddy, Noorulla, Tippu, Abhishek Palan, Twist Imran, and Riyaz. The charges include stone-pelting and threatening prison staff.