Regarding the CCTV visuals that went viral from Belagavi, the Prison Department has issued a response, with Divisional DIG T. P. Shesh providing an important clarification. He stated that the viral videos are around a month old and that an FIR in connection with the incident had already been registered earlier.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Thursday, he said that the investigation is being carried out by the Belagavi Rural Police. Preliminary findings indicate that the CCTV footage was made available by prison staff themselves. He added that the Director General of Police has ordered a thorough probe into the entire matter and the submission of a detailed report.

At the same time, DIG T. P. Shesh raised questions over the role of CISF personnel, stating that their conduct appears to be prima facie irresponsible. Acting on the directions of the Director General, a major inspection drive was conducted at the prison the day before yesterday. During this operation, 12 mobile phones, one charger, and four SIM cards were seized.

He further informed that a total of 34 mobile phones have been seized so far from various prisons under the Northern Range jurisdiction.