Some Are More Equal Than Others? 5 Times Indian Jails Faced ‘VIP Treatment’ Allegations
News india Some Are More Equal Than Others? 5 Times Indian Jails Faced ‘VIP Treatment’ Allegations Some Are More Equal Than Others? 5 Times Indian
News india Some Are More Equal Than Others? 5 Times Indian Jails Faced ‘VIP Treatment’ Allegations Some Are More Equal Than Others? 5 Times Indian Jails Faced ‘VIP Treatment’ Allegations Published By, Last Updated: August 12, 2026, 09:33 IST Here a look at five cases that put the spotlight on the so-called VIP culture in Indian prisons. Before Prajwal Revanna, actor Darshan had also faced scrutiny over alleged privileges inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara prison. George Orwell’s famous line from Animal Farm- “some animals are more equal than others"- was about a fictional society where equality came with exceptions and every time a high-profile convict is accused of receiving privileges behind bars, the line acquires an uncomfortable relevance. JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence following his conviction in a rape case, was allegedly found with a mobile phone inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Crime Branch officials reportedly found Prajwal Revanna using the phone during a surprise raid. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway to determine how the device entered the prison. Here are five cases that put the spotlight on the so-called VIP culture in Indian prisons.
Read more: Phone Hidden In Clothes, Pen Drive: E MP Prajwal Revanna Booked After Being Found With Devices Inside Jail 1. Prajwal Revanna: Mobile Phone Inside Bengaluru Prison The latest controversy involves Prajwal Revanna, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025 after being convicted in a rape case. The Crime Branch officials reportedly conducted a surprise raid at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison and allegedly found Prajwal Revanna with a mobile phone. Authorities registered a case and are investigating how the device reached the prison. 2. Darshan: Cigarette, Phone And A Prison ‘Party’ In 2024, Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa became the centre of a major prison controversy after a photograph emerged showing him sitting on the lawn of Parappana Agrahara prison, smoking a cigarette and holding a cup while sitting with other inmates. A separate video showed him apparently making a video call from inside the prison. Darshan was in judicial custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case at the time. The visuals triggered allegations of “special treatment" after which Karnataka authorities suspended prison officials and ordered an inquiry into the privileges allegedly extended to the actor. Darshan and other accused were subsequently shifted to different prisons.
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