Mandya: Mandya District Assistant Jail Superintendent M. Shanthamma has been transferred to Ballari Central Prison following allegations of negligence in connection with an undertrial prisoner allegedly receiving special treatment at Mandya MIMS Hospital.
A departmental inquiry has been initiated against the official, who was holding additional charge as in-charge Superintendent.
Karnataka Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar issued an order deputing Shanthamma on special duty to Ballari Central Prison with immediate effect and until further orders.
The action follows reports concerning undertrial prisoner and Assistant Director of Land Records (ADLR) Mohammed Hussain, who is lodged in connection with a land scam case. Hussain was reportedly shifted to Mandya MIMS Hospital citing back pain, though there were allegations that he was not suffering from any illness.
Judge visit, reprimand
While at the hospital, Hussain was found staying with his girlfriend. The matter came to light during a visit by Mandya District Sessions Judge C. Chandrashekhar, who reprimanded Superintendent Shanthamma for allowing the prisoner to avail hospital facilities without judicial sanction.
Taking note of the allegations and circumstances brought to light during inspection, the Prisons and Correctional Services Department initiated an inquiry.
According to the transfer order, prima facie, official negligence was noticed on the part of Shanthamma in connection with reports published and broadcast about the administration of Mandya District Prison.
The order referred to media reports on the ‘royal hospitality’ provided to an accused at MIMS and the discovery of an accused with a woman during a surprise inspection by the District Judge.
“Until a comprehensive inquiry report is received, considering that it is not appropriate for M. Shanthamma, Superintendent of Mandya District Prison, to continue as the Superintendent of Mandya District Prison, orders are hereby issued to depute her on special duty to Ballari Central Prison with immediate effect and until further orders,” the order stated.
The respective Prison Superintendents have also been directed to submit compliance reports to the head office regarding Shanthamma’s relief and joining at the new posting.
The development comes amid allegations of irregularities in the functioning of Mandya Jail. A petition purportedly signed by around 80 inmates has surfaced, containing a ‘rate list’ for various facilities inside the prison.
Copies of the petition were reportedly circulated among the media and carried the signatures, thumb impressions and undertrial prisoner numbers of inmates. The alleged list mentions purported monthly payments linked to specific prison cells and other facilities.
Alok Kumar has said that the contents of the petition are being verified.
This post was published on September 1, 2026 7:30 pm