Seven people, including two prison personnel, have been booked in connection with the alleged supply of a mobile phone and SIM card to former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru.

The investigation has raised concerns over the alleged movement of prohibited communication devices inside the prison and the possible involvement of inmates, intermediaries and prison staff in facilitating access to the phone.

According to investigators, the case came to light after a mobile phone was recovered from the prison barrack where Revanna was lodged. Authorities are now trying to establish how the device entered the high-security facility, who arranged it and how it was subsequently used.

The people booked in the case include Pratap Rao, Tausif, Siddiq and prison officials Prakash and Manjunath, among others. Police are examining whether the accused were part of a larger network involved in supplying mobile phones and SIM cards to inmates.

Probe into alleged prison supply network

Police officials said the investigation is focused on tracing the chain through which the mobile phone allegedly reached Revanna. Investigators suspect that intermediaries and inmates may have played a role in arranging the device, while the alleged involvement of prison personnel is also being examined.

Parappana Agrahara police inspector B Naveen said investigators believe the phone was passed to Revanna through a network involving inmates and prison staff. Authorities are also looking into the suspected role of individuals previously accused in cases connected to violence in Bengaluru’s KG Halli and DJ Halli areas.

According to the investigation so far, one of the suspects may have purchased the mobile phone while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Bengaluru. Police suspect that the device was later taken into the prison.

Investigators further suspect that a SIM card was obtained in Siddiq’s name and subsequently brought inside the prison for use. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the purchase and movement of both the phone and the SIM card.

Police suspect payments for phone and SIM

Investigators are also looking into alleged financial transactions linked to the phone and SIM card.

Police suspect that Revanna may have paid approximately ₹1 lakh for the mobile phone and another ₹50,000 for the SIM card. However, these allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation, and authorities are examining financial records and other evidence to establish the exact transactions.

A special investigation team was formed under DCP Narayan after the prohibited phone was detected inside the prison. The team is now examining whether the incident was an isolated case or part of a wider system through which inmates could obtain mobile phones and communication facilities.

The investigation is particularly focused on the alleged role of warders, inmates and intermediaries who may have helped move electronic devices into the prison.

SIM cards traced beyond Karnataka

As investigators expanded their probe, they reportedly traced other SIM cards allegedly connected with the suspected network to Andhra Pradesh.

One of the SIM cards under investigation was reportedly purchased in Punganur. Police are examining its call records to identify the people who may have been contacted and to determine whether the number was connected to the alleged prison communication network.

Investigators are also studying call detail records associated with the suspected SIM cards. The records reportedly show calls involving women and family members.

Authorities may issue notices to some of the people whose numbers appear in the records as they attempt to determine the nature and purpose of those communications.

Electronic and financial evidence under scrutiny

The investigation is not limited to the physical recovery of the phone. Police are examining electronic evidence that could help establish how the device was used from inside the prison and whether other individuals were involved.

Financial records are also being examined to determine whether payments were made for obtaining the phone and SIM card. Investigators are expected to compare financial transactions with call records, device data and statements from people questioned in the case.

The objective is to reconstruct the complete chain—from the alleged purchase of the phone and SIM card to their entry into the prison and subsequent use by the inmate.

Earlier case over illegal mobile phone use

The latest investigation follows an earlier case registered at the Parappana Agrahara police station involving alleged unauthorised mobile phone use inside the prison.

Authorities are now examining whether the new case is connected to a broader network operating within the facility. The probe is expected to determine whether prohibited devices have been systematically supplied to prisoners and whether prison personnel facilitated such activities.

The involvement of prison officials, if established, could raise serious questions about security and monitoring mechanisms at the facility. Investigators are therefore examining the alleged role of each person separately and collecting evidence before drawing conclusions.

Revanna’s prison privileges under scrutiny

The case also comes amid increased scrutiny of Revanna’s conduct while in custody. The discovery of a mobile phone and other prohibited material inside his barrack has prompted authorities to examine how he was able to access such items despite being lodged in a prison facility.

Revanna is currently serving a life sentence after his conviction in a rape case. The latest investigation, however, is focused specifically on the alleged illegal possession and supply of a mobile phone and SIM card inside the prison.

Police have said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are expected to question more suspects and examine additional digital, financial and communication records as they attempt to determine the full extent of the alleged network.

The probe will ultimately seek to establish who arranged the device, who brought it into the prison, who helped facilitate its use and whether other inmates or prison personnel were involved.