BJP Demands CM Siddaramaiah’s Resignation Over Bengaluru Jail Video Row, Seeks NIA Probe Into Alleged ‘Special Treatment’ for Inmates

Senior BJP leaders, including state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and N. Chaluvaraya Swamy, led the demonstration. The leaders, carrying placards and shouting slogans, marched toward Siddaramaiah’s official residence ‘Krishna’ to register their protest.

Police intervened and detained the leaders at Shivananda Circle as they attempted to continue the march toward the Chief Minister’s residence.

Addressing the media, B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that the incident reflects deep-rooted corruption within the state’s prison administration.

“The royal treatment given to certain inmates, including those accused of serious crimes, clearly shows a nexus between jail officials and criminals,” Vijayendra said, calling the situation “a matter of grave concern.”

He demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) take over the probe, citing the potential involvement of terror-linked inmates and a “serious breach of security.”

Echoing the demand, R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition, said the current Congress government had “lost moral authority to continue.”

“This government has collapsed morally and administratively. Only an NIA probe can uncover the truth behind the special treatment in jail,” he added.

The controversy erupted after videos surfaced on social media purportedly showing certain prisoners in Bengaluru Central Jail enjoying unauthorized privileges, including the use of mobile phones and access to luxury facilities.

The Karnataka Home Department has reportedly ordered an internal inquiry, though the BJP continues to insist that the probe be handed over to central agencies due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.

Background:

The issue has sparked sharp political exchanges between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP, with the latter accusing the administration of shielding corrupt officials and compromising state security.

Observers say the incident could escalate into a larger political controversy, with opposition parties expected to raise the issue during the upcoming Assembly session.