Netflix & IPL inside jail? Viral video shows inmates with phones in Bengaluru prison

A controversy has erupted after a viral video allegedly showing inmates watching Netflix and discussing IPL matches on mobile phones inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru surfaced online, raising fresh concerns over security lapses at the high-security facility.

The clips, first reported by the ‘Bangalore Suddi’ news portal , appear to show undertrial prisoners using smartphones inside their barracks, talking about cricket and entertainment content while also making remarks about Director General of Police (Prisons) Alok Kumar .

In the footage, inmates are heard discussing an upcoming IPL match in Bengaluru , with one even claiming their favourite team would win the title this year. The prisoners also alleged that the phones were provided by senior officials, a claim strongly denied by the prison department.

Following the incident, three jail warders, Niranjan Kamath, Hanumantappa Hadpad and Shivanand Karlabatti , were suspended for dereliction of duty , officials said. DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar confirmed that disciplinary action had also been initiated against the jailer who was on supervisory duty at the time of the recording.

According to the prison department, three video clips surfaced around 9 am on Saturday , prompting an internal probe. Chief Superintendent Anshu Kumar and his team identified the inmates involved and seized the mobile phones , which were hidden inside pipes in the prison toilet area to evade detection .

Officials said the main accused inmates include Darshan and Abhi, linked to the Hennur Bande murder case , while the voice heard in the clips has been identified as Zypsin Daniel .

Authorities believe the videos were deliberately leaked to tarnish the image of the Prison and Correctional Services department and derail ongoing reforms. A complaint has been filed at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison Police Station , and action is being taken against staff on duty on the night of March 27 and morning of March 28 .

Officials also flagged mobile network signals inside the prison , noting that Airtel connectivity was detected in some areas. The telecom operator has been asked to take corrective steps to prevent misuse.

The Parappana Agrahara Central Prison , Karnataka’s largest jail with a capacity of about 2,200 inmates but often housing more, has faced similar controversies in the past over inmates accessing mobile phones and other prohibited facilities .

Authorities said the probe is continuing to determine how the phones were smuggled into the prison and whether any staff members were involved .