Sizzling item numbers in K’taka jail lands officials in soup

Two jail officials and a policeman were on Thursday suspended after “item songs” performance by a woman dancer in the Dargah Prison campus here on the Republic Day triggered a controversy.

Action had been taken against the jail in-charge PS Ambekar, Warden Sampat and Head Constable Gundalli based on the report from Vijayapura District Superintendent of Police Siddaramappa, said DGP (Prisons) Satyanarayana Rao. In the video footage aired by some TV channels, currency notes were seen being showered on the dancer by a few people.

The event was reportedly held before releasing 38 prisoners from the jail for good conduct.

The dance show was held before the district in-charge minister MB Patil and other dignitaries who had arrived at the function and presented release certificates to the convicts.

Rao said a Bengaluru police team would investigate the incident thoroughly to find out as to who arranged the item songs and for what purpose. He said it should not have happened and instruction would be given to all jail officials not repeat such mistakes.

Rao said officials have been asked to keep a vigil on bad elements and illegal activities of prisoners. He said jammers would be installed in the jails to stop the misuse of mobile phones by prisoners. Rao came to the city soon after some TV channels aired footage of the programme.

He said he had given instructions to Belagavi Jail Superintendent to inspect the Vijayapura jail and also asked SP to send report on the incident.