Bengaluru: In a major crackdown on corruption within Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services, a deputy inspector general (DIG) of prisons, North Zone, Kalaburagi, has been arrested for his alleged role in the release of a life-term murder convict using forged Supreme Court documents and for allegedly sexually exploiting the convict’s wife.The officer, Somashekhar, was arrested by a special team led by Electronics City deputy commissioner of police (DCP) M Narayana. He was chief superintendent of Bengaluru Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara, in 2018, when the alleged illegal release took place.Somashekhar was produced before a local court on Monday and remanded to police custody until October 9.The case stems from the arrest last month of Second Division Assistant (SDA) Srikanth, attached to Bengaluru Central Prison, for allegedly producing forged Supreme Court documents to secure the release of murder convict Shankar in 2018. Following a complaint and an internal inquiry, Shankar was re-arrested by police in August.Statements from prison officers and staff posted in the convict prisoner section at the time indicate that Shankar was released on the direct orders of Somashekhar. Investigators allege that despite knowing the documents produced by Srikanth were forged, Somashekhar authorised the release.The remand application filed before the court on Monday also contains allegations that Somashekhar sexually exploited Shankar’s wife and repeatedly bypassed prison procedures to extend favours to the convict.Parole violationsDespite Shankar having previously absconded while on parole, Somashekhar allegedly granted him 15-day parole on three occasions in 2018. The approvals were reportedly contrary to prison regulations and were issued despite adverse remarks by prison staff indicating that Shankar was ineligible.Investigators have also flagged discrepancies in the verification records. While approving the paroles, Somashekhar reportedly recorded that he had verified Shankar’s credentials by calling 23390847, claiming it was the number of Chandra Layout police station. Police later confirmed that the number did not belong to the station, raising questions over the authenticity of the verification.‘Petition pending for four years’Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, said an insider had written to senior prison officials about Shankar’s release using forged documents.“It was a petition pending for the last four years. After I took charge, I ordered an inquiry and found that these persons had acted suspiciously. Investigation by city police ended in the arrest of the accused,” he said.Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, said an insider from the prison had written to senior prison officials, stating how Shankar was let off with forged documents. “It was a petition pending for last four years. After I took charge, I ordered an inquiry and found that these persons had acted suspiciously. Further investigation by city police ended in arresting the accused.”
