Mid Day

• BJP leaders’ visit to Parappana Agrahara on the first day of the new year reveals bribery and breaking of rules

Bangalore, Jan 4: Officials at Parappana Agrahara decided to take a holiday to celebrate the New Year on Tuesday. Politicians visiting their friends at the jail not only spoilt their plans but also revealed their lax rules.

Around 15 Ramasetu activists have been jailed at Parappana Agrahara in connection with the attack on Tamil Nadu chief minister Karunanidhi’s daughter’s house in Bangalore a few months ago.

When a group of BJP leaders led by state Yuvamorcha president Girish Mattennavar went to visit them,
there were told it was a government holiday.

The leaders tried to contact the officials but their mobile phones were switched off. One warden said they were all celebrating New Year.

Unofficial holiday?

The visitors wondered why the jail was closed since government offices were working on January 1. The holiday information was not even put up on the notice board.

Jail superintendent V S Raju said, “It may not be a government holiday but according to the jail manual, the first day of the year is a prison holiday.” 

Money, money

The BJP leaders and other visitors got more upset when they realised that those who bribed the warden were being allowed inside. “The reception jailer was  partial. We were told it was a holiday but he
allowed some others to go in,” said a BJP leader.

The leaders protested against this behaviour but the officer at the reception relented when they threatened to inform journalists. He called up his senior officials and they rushed to Parappana Agrahara.