It was an allegation that had sent ripples across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Many dismissed it as far-fetched, while others immediately called for a thorough probe.
But months after Former Deputy Inspector General of Prisons D Roopa alleged that prisoners in Parappana Agrahara jail in Bengaluru were assaulted brutally for revealing irregularities in the jail, the IPS officer stands vindicated.
The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission has found that prisoners were assaulted for revealing how VIP prisoners including VK Sasikala were getting special treatment in jail.
"The Human Rights Commission’s report is in my favour. I had said in my probe report that there was special treatment given to influential prisoners. I submitted the report to my superior. Instead of investigating the matter, he rubbished it," D Roopa told TNM on Monday.
“My report had said that there was corruption within the prison administration. I still remain hopeful that an enquiry will take place on the irregularities as I have earlier said. I have also submitted a report to the Anti-corruption Bureau,” she said.
The State Human Rights Commission concluded that the prisoners were tortured on July 16 for revealing VIP treatment to influential inmates based on a 72-page report by Soumendu Mukherjee, IGP (SHRC), reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking on the report, D Roopa said, “On the evening of July 16, I had visited the prison for a routine visit. There were some prisoners who were more vocal about their grievances. Naturally their grouse was against chief superintendent Krishnakumar. After I left they were beaten black and blue.”
She said that she came to know about the incidents only through the media.
“However, none of these were told to me although I have to be kept in the loop being the senior officer. On the same night, in the early hours of July 17, 32 battered prisoners were transferred to different jails within the state,” she added.
“What was the hurry in transferring all those inmates?,” she said adding these processes usually take much paperwork and time to take place.
“The message was clear, that if you speak against us (Krishna Kumar), you will be dealt with,” she said.
The SHRC also found that protesting the government’s decision to transfer DIG Roopa from the Prisons Department had led to the torture.
The State Human Rights Commission has asked then Jail Superintendent to appear before the Commission on October 23.
D Roopa was transferred from her position to the Traffic and Road Safety section after she alleged her superior officer then DGP Prisons HNS Rao of receiving bribes for facilitating special treatment to VK Sasikala.
The CM had said that the transfer was done due to administrative reasons.